Mr. Chair,
First:
The Ukrainian people deserve a just and lasting peace. Yet Putin chooses violence, destruction and stalling tactics. So far, Ukraine is the only party serious about peace.
Norway supports President Trump’s position that the fighting should stop immediately, and that the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations. International borders must not be changed by force.
Second:
Until Putin is ready to make peace, we will continue supporting Ukraine to be in the strongest possible position before, during, and after any ceasefire. This includes ramping up the pressure on Russia’s economy and its defence industry.
Third;
Russian airstrikes keep killing civilians in Ukraine. We will help Ukraine preparing for a difficult winter as it continues to defend itself against this large scale escalation of Russian attacks on its infrastructure – including energy infrastructure.
During President Zelenskyy’s and foreign minister Sybiha’s visit to Oslo yesterday, Prime Minister Støre therefore announced an additional funding of 150 million USD.
to secure access to electricity and heating for people in Ukraine. Together with the EU, we are stepping up efforts to ensure that Ukrainian households, businesses and institutions have access to energy.
Mr. Chair:
Russia can end this war of choice at any time. Until this happens, Norway will continue to support Ukraine’s rightful defense, as well as Ukraine’s recovery afterwards.
Thank you.