Thank you, Madam Chair.
Norway fully aligns with the statement of the European Union. Let me add the following remarks in my national capacity.
As newly appointed Norwegian permanent representative to the OSCE, I take the floor today to reaffirm Norway’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
I was appalled earlier this week to learn that Ukrainian schoolchildren and civilians once again fell victim to Russia’s brutal waves of attacks.
In one of the deadliest strikes of the war, Russia attacked Poltava with two ballistic missiles, killing at least 51 people and injuring over 200 others. The next day Russia followed up this atrocity by firing drones and missiles towards cities all over Ukraine. Let me express my deepest condolences to the victims and their families.
Madam Chair,
Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine is a war on democracy, on the European security architecture and on the underpinning principles that we all here signed up to.
It is also a war with devastating global consequences.
During yesterday’s meeting on food security in Working Group 2 of the Peace Formula, the international community discussed the severe impact of Russia’s invasion and relentless attacks on critical civilian infrastructure. Russia’s actions continue to jeopardize global food security.
Food security is an urgent challenge, both nationally and globally, and it remains a top priority in Norway’s foreign and development policy. In this regard, I would like to highlight Norway’s support to the innovative Grain from Ukraine initiative. This initiative helps ensure access to food for people affected by acute hunger in developing countries and is an important part of the effort to alleviate the ongoing global food crisis.
Madame Chair,
In closing, let me be clear: Such brutal attacks as we witnessed this week in Poltava only strengthen our resolve. Norway will continue our military and civilian support so that Ukraine is able to defend itself against Russia’s illegal war of aggression.
Russia started this war. Russia can choose to end it at any time. Norway will never cease to call on Russia to stop its military actions immediately and unconditionally.
Thank you.