President,
I have the honor to address the Council on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and, Finland.
Russia’s attacks against civilians and civilian objects demonstrate a lack of willingness to end the war. An example is the Russian strike in Komyshuvakha last week, against a school sheltering civilians and serving as a humanitarian hub. It demonstrated disregard for civilian lives and for international humanitarian law.
Russia has continued its strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including in Zhytomyr, Odesa and Rivne. These are not isolated incidents, as stated in the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. The report found that Russian authorities have committed the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against civilian objects, and crimes against humanity through continuous attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The Commission's findings point that foreign nationals in vulnerable situations, including victims of human trafficking, have been exploited, and recruited into the Russian armed forces. These findings indicate a pattern of disregard for human dignity and international law.
Instead of engaging in negotiations, Russia continues to attack civilians, destroy critical infrastructure and exploit persons in vulnerable situations. These are not the actions of a country seeking peace. We call on Russia to engage in genuine talks and end its war of aggression. It can choose to do so, this week in Abu Dhabi.
The Nordic countries continue to call for an immediate ceasefire as a first step towards a just, lasting and sustainable peace in accordance with international law.
Our support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders remains unwavering. As winter approaches, we will continue our efforts that help the Ukrainians endure, recover and rebuild.
I thank you.