President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Denmark.
We are here to mark the grim fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A war of aggression in flagrant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. An unprovoked war that President Putin chose to wage against a peaceful neighbour.
What the Kremlin thought would be a three-day “Special Military Operation” has now entered day 1,461. The largest military conflict on European soil since the Second World War. A war the UN estimates has killed or injured at least 55,000 Ukrainian civilians, including 3,000 children.
While Ukraine has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, Russia has escalated its attacks. 2025 was the deadliest year of the war for Ukraine’s civilians. No one feels the effects of this war more than the people of Ukraine. No one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine.
President,
Peace in Ukraine must be just, lasting and comprehensive. It must respect international law, including the UN Charter. Ukraine must also have robust security guarantees to prevent Russia from invading ever again. And Russia needs to be held accountable for the crimes it has committed in Ukraine.
We cannot stand by as the UN Charter is violated with impunity and territory is seized by force. To do so would only encourage further aggression and undermining of international peace and security. Put simply, in such a world – in a return to an era of “might is right” – no country would be safe.
President,
The Nordic countries are pleased to co-sponsor Ukraine’s resolution. It calls for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire. For a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law including the UN Charter. And for confidence building measures, including the complete exchange of prisoners of war, the release of all unlawfully detained persons, and the return of all internees and civilians forcibly transferred or deported, including thousands of children.
We strongly urge all UN Member States to vote in favour. We must all continue to show our commitment to peace, international law, and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
So let this anniversary serve not only as an opportunity to reflect but also to recommit, collectively and forcefully, to these principles. Principles upon which we all rely to live in peace within our internationally-recognised borders.
I thank you.