I would like to read out a statement on behalf of Ukraine, Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Romania, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Today, we mark four years since the start of the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and twelve years since the beginning of its aggression, marked by the illegal occupation of Crimea.
This ongoing war of aggression constitutes a grave and continuing violation of the UN Charter and of fundamental principles of international law. It strikes at the very foundation of the international rules-based order and undermines global peace and security.
We welcome and strongly support the clear and principled message expressed today by the General Assembly, calling for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, and for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter and international law.
We underscore the urgent need of concrete humanitarian measures, including the complete exchange of prisoners of war, the release of all unlawfully detained persons, and the safe return of all internees and civilians who have been forcibly transferred or deported, including thousands of Ukrainian children. These steps are essential confidence-building measures and a moral imperative.
We express our deepest concern over Russia’s continued and intensified attacks against civilians, civilian objects, and Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. We condemn the weaponization of winter and attacks on energy facilities, Russian has deliberately weaponized winter depriving millions of civilians of electricity, heating, and water during freezing temperatures. Intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilians and civilian objects are a violation of international humanitarian law. Those responsible must be held to account.
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring full accountability for crimes committed under international law. Justice for victims is not optional – it is indispensable for sustainable peace and for preventing future atrocities worldwide.
We reiterate our demand to Russia to stop its war of aggression against Ukraine and to ensure the full, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian forces and military equipment from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
We reaffirm our strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders; and reiterate that the attempted illegal annexation of parts of sovereign territory of Ukraine by Russia has no validity under international law and does not form the basis for any alteration of their status.
We welcome the sustained efforts of the United States, European countries, and other Member States aimed at bringing an end to this war.
We stand united in our determination to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine, consistent with the UN Charter, including the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States.
Thank you.