Mr. Chairperson,
The war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine rightly remains the priority that defines our work in this Forum and elsewhere and will do so as long as Russia continues to conduct an unjustifiable war against another sovereign State. The fate of Ukraine affects peace and security in Europe and the world. Those who violate international law will not go unpunished.
We shall continue with determination and diligence to provide Ukraine with political, financial, economic, humanitarian, legal, military and diplomatic support for as long and as intensively as is required. As stated last week by the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrell, in the United Nations Security Council: “Ukraine defends itself in line with its right to self-defence under the United Nations Charter, and it does so against a nuclear-armed State. The international community must remain determined to support Ukraine’s freedom, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”
Concentrating now on the military aspect of these efforts, the defence ministers of the European Union agreed in August that the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) would train 15,000 additional soldiers by the end of the winter. Having already trained 60,000 soldiers, EUMAM Ukraine has made an important contribution to strengthening the military capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces to enable Ukraine to defend its territorial integrity, exercise its sovereignty effectively and protect its population. The ministers also discussed the question of munitions that we continue to deliver while the industry is building up its capacities. So far, 65 per cent of the promised million pieces of artillery ammunition have been delivered.
Another recent initiative is the EU Defence Innovation Office, which started working last month in Kyiv, as part of the new European Defence Industrial Strategy, which recognizes the crucial role of Ukraine as a partner of the European Union. The Office’s role will be to promote cross-border co-operation between the Ukrainian and European defence technological and industrial base. It will serve as a focal point on the ground for Ukrainian partners and will also act as a co-ordination and information centre. Its role includes identifying Ukrainian defence innovation needs and capabilities, and facilitating joint initiatives and co-operation. The European Union and its Member States, together with the EU Defence Innovation Office, will also help to promote defence innovation activities in and with Ukraine, encouraging joint initiatives and bringing together EU start-ups and innovators with Ukrainian industry and armed forces. A strong Ukrainian defence technological and industrial base is essential for Ukraine’s long-term security and for its reconstruction.
Mr Chairperson,
The European Union and its Member States reiterate that Russia must immediately put an end to its unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression and to the unbearable suffering and devastation it is causing, and completely and unconditionally withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. We also condemn the continued military support given by Belarus, Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We urge all countries not to provide material or other support to Russia’s war of aggression, which is a flagrant violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and of the OSCE’s fundamental principles and commitments.
Thank you.