Mr. Chair
Norway aligns with the statement made by the European Union but allow me to make a few remarks in my national capacity.
All attacks that target the civilian population are prohibited under international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian objects are not lawful targets for military attacks.
The prohibition also includes embassies, which are equally protected under international law.
Russian claims that Ukraine is deliberately targeting Russian civilians do not stand scrutiny. This is the policy of Moscow, not Kyiv. It is Russia that continues to both target and threaten civilians, civilian objects and infrastructure in Ukraine.
The Russian Federation’s claims that the democratically elected leadership of Ukraine are terrorists and nazis are inherently unreasonable and absurd. Ukraine is defending itself against a Russian invasion seeking to occupy an independent state and deny its right to sovereignty.
The root cause of the suffering on both sides of the front line is the Russian war of aggression. Russia’s war of aggression is a blatant breach of international law and all the principles that all OSCE participating States voluntarily have committed to.
Our support for Ukraine in its legitimate defense against Russia is rock solid and will remain so until a just and lasting peace is reached, and beyond.
Norway will not withdraw its personnel from Kyiv. On the contrary, it is Russia that should withdraw from Ukraine. Russia should immediately cease all attacks and withdraw from what is internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory, and engage meaningfully in peace efforts. Lastly, Russia must immediately release all three illegally detained OSCE officials – Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov.
Thank you.