Ladies and Gentlemen,
As the Security Council meets to discuss the situation in Ukraine, we reaffirm our shared commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and to peace.
We stand in solidarity with Ukraine as it continues to face Russia’s war of aggression. We recall that the UN Charter upholds the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all States, and the inherent right of self-defence.
After four years, six months and thirty days of full-scale war, the human cost continues to grow. We are deeply concerned by Russia’s escalation against civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine causing record high number of casualties in the last months, as recorded by the UN. We call for full respect for international humanitarian law, accountability and for the protection of civilians.
We are particularly concerned by attacks in the Black Sea. Russia is trying to choke off Ukrainian grain exports, thus jeopardizing global food security. We therefore support efforts towards an arrangement in the Black Sea to safeguard freedom of navigation and call for the protection of commercial shipping and critical infrastructure.
Since March 2025, Ukraine has agreed to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. We call on Russia to finally do the same, as a necessary step towards meaningful diplomacy and negotiations leading to peace.
We urgently call on Russia to ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional return to Ukraine of all arbitrarily detained, forcibly transferred or deported Ukrainian civilians, including children, as well as the complete return of all prisoners of war and the return of all internees, as significant confidence-building measures.
Ukraine wants peace. We want peace. Russia must stop its aggression, accept a ceasefire, and engage meaningfully in negotiations towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law.