Chair,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States.
We thank Mr. Møse for the Commission’s reporting. Our support to the Commission’s mandate remains steadfast.
Russia continues its ruthless attacks against civilians, demonstrating unwillingness to seek peace. We remain deeply alarmed by Russia’s flagrant violations of international law.
We, again, demand Russia to ensure the immediate and safe return of unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children in accordance with international law. We call on Russia to respect universal human rights, international humanitarian law, Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and agree to a full and comprehensive ceasefire.
We are deeply appalled by the high number of civilian casualties and the deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.
We welcome the progress in the exchange of prisoners of war. Yet, we are gravely concerned about the systematic torture and executions of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. We are firmly committed to ensure full accountability.
Finally, we support all efforts towards a sustainable and lasting peace in Ukraine. Any solution must fully uphold Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
We stand – and will continue to stand – with Ukraine.
Mr. Møse, how could the UN more effectively advance just and lasting peace in Ukraine, ending torture and other violations committed by Russia against Ukraine?
Thank you.