Mr Chair,
On the very day the international community gathered last week in Rome to mobilise support for peace and for Ukraine’s recovery, Russia launched one of its largest waves of missile and drone attacks since the war began. The message from Moscow was unambiguous.
Norway condemns these attacks in the strongest possible terms. They follow a deeply troubling pattern: the intensified attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure. Innocent lives are lost as rockets and drones rain down on residential areas, night after night.
The ODIHR report issued two days ago sheds further grim light on the widespread and increased Russian use of torture and targeting of civilians. We continue to call for the immediate release of our three unlawfully detained OSCE colleagues Vadym Golda,. Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov.
Our response is stronger support for Ukraine and intensified pressure on Russia. At the Ukraine Recovery Conference, Norway announced, new contributions for cybe defence, air defence, demining, and reconstruction. Our response to Russian aggression is not fatigue, but resolve— stronger support for Ukraine and intensified pressure on the Kremlin.
Last week, our Foreign Minister met with Ukraine’s Ombudsman. He underlined that Norway will continue to support efforts to secure the return of abducted children, prisoners of war, and unlawfully detained civilians. These human rights concerns must be central to any future ceasefire or peace agreement.
Russia started this war. And Russia can end it—by ceasing its attacks, withdrawing from all occupied territory, and engaging in serious negotiations. We will stand by Ukraine until they prevail—for their future, our shared values, and the security of Europe.
Thank you.