Thank you chair,
Norway is aligned with the statement made by the European Union, but I need to make a few remarks in my national capacity. Let me also add that Iceland stands aligned with this statement.
Last week in this council we received a first hand account of the ruthless behaviour of Russian military forces in Zaporizhzhia, by Ms Olena Zhuk in the Regional Council. The devastating consequenses of bombing and shelling were described. This week again we hear about numerous attacks in several cities, all over Ukraine. We cannot even begin to imagine the horrors this is causing for the population. We strongly condemn Russia’s massive missile strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Attacks against civilians are illegal and may constitute war crimes. Those responsible must be held to account.
We cannot reiterate often enough that Russia’s illegal and brutal war against Ukraine violates the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, and other legal norms of the international order.
The staggering number of civilians affected by the war is alarming and unacceptable. We condemn all violations of international humanitarian law and all human rights violations and abuses.
Mr. Chair,
Norway will continue to support Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ efforts to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity. We will also continue to provide budget support and contribute to securing Ukraine access to energy for the winter season.
The Russian Federation must immediately and unconditionally withdraw its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
Thank you.