President, Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honor to address the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden – and my own country Denmark.
Today marks two years of Ukrainians defending themselves against Russia’s full-scale invasion. This month also marks ten years since the start of Russia’s war of aggression and illegal annexation of Crimea.
Russia, a nuclear power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, is waging a war on its free and independent, neighboring country, Ukraine. In brutal violation of the United Nations Charter.
The war is an attack on democracy and a flagrant violation of international law. And it has created far-reaching and devastating global consequences, such as the food and energy crisis.
We must all stand with Ukraine to change this course.
President,
Ukraine and its people have shown incredible resilience and determination during ten years of Russia’s aggression.
The war has caused immense suffering for Ukrainians, especially children and other persons in vulnerable situations. Russian airstrikes have repeatedly targeted civilians and critical infrastructure. Millions of people have been displaced, either within Ukraine or to somewhere away from their home country.
We are appalled by the devastating consequences and the still deteriorating humanitarian situation.
In the temporarily occupied territories, we see numerous reports of sexual violence and torture against civilians. And the forced transfer or unlawful deportation of persons, including children, out of Ukraine. We must ensure that international crimes are investigated and perpetrators held to account.
Ukraine and Ukrainians continue to pay a high price for Russia’s aggression. The reconstruction of Ukraine has started. It will take years to build back what has been destroyed. We are committed to supporting Ukraine in these endeavors.
President,
Exactly a year ago, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. All the Nordic countries supported this resolution, together with an overwhelming majority of the United Nations member states.
For us Nordics, the choice was clear. We are strong defenders of international law, including international humanitarian law.
Flagrant violations of international humanitarian law, attacks on civilians and civilian objects, and impunity for war crimes cannot be tolerated. We continue to stand up against all violations of international law, wherever they occur.
Mr. President,
The Nordics support President Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula and a Peace Summit based on Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, in line with the UN Charter.
We share the view, that Ukraine alone shall define the prerequisites for peace.
But Ukraine cannot achieve the peace it deserves alone. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that we ensure the broadest possible international support for Ukraine’s Peace Formula.
This is not an isolated war. It has clear regional and global consequences.
President,
The Nordic countries continue to call on Russia to immediately stop its illegal war of aggression, withdraw all its forces and respect Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders.
We must hold Russia accountable for its actions.
Thank you.