Mr. President, colleagues
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic Counties: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden – and my own country, Iceland.
For the past four years, we have repeatedly underscored that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a war of choice and that Russia can end the aggression and bring this war to an end immediately. Yet their actions have so far demonstrated a lack of true intention to pursue peace.
Today’s meeting takes place against the backdrop of renewed large-scale Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. This included aerial bombs and a series of long-range missiles and drone strikes killing and injuring civilians across the country. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported at least 70 killed and 500 injured, only in the first week of May. Among those killed and injured were medical personnel aiding people affected by a previous drone attack.
These attacks are blatant violations of international law, including international humanitarian law. There must be accountability for Russia’s acts committed against and within Ukraine.
Mr. President,
Ukraine wished to extend the recent three-day ceasefire, but Russia responded by launching drone attacks that once again targeted civilian areas and critical infrastructure. It is clear that Russia’s actions stand in stark contrast to any genuine commitment to de-escalation or peace.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to pursue peace, while exercising its inherent right to self-defence, as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. Russia, however, continues to violate the Charter in its continued illegal assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another UN Member State.
Mr. President,
Russia’s aggression has been marked by countless violations of international humanitarian law and continues to cause devastating human suffering across Ukraine. Thousands of civilians have been killed or injured, millions have been displaced, while homes, schools, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure have been destroyed on a massive scale.
It is deeply concerning that harm to the civilian population demonstrably intensified in 2025 and 2026, with civilian casualties rising significantly compared to 2023 and 2024. The Ukrainian people have also suffered the dire consequences of sustained and systematic attacks on civilians and civilian objects, including on their energy infrastructure. Last week, humanitarian convoys were attacked by drones on two separate occasions. We are alarmed by the repeated instances of violence against humanitarian workers, which is a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
While recognising the devastating effects of the war on the Ukrainian population, we again pay tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Ukraine, justice and the rule of law must prevail.
Mr. President,
The deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children is particularly abhorrent. This is not an incidental consequence of war, but a calculated strategy pursued by Russia in order to harm Ukraine’s future.
The Nordic countries demand that Russia ensures the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all the forcibly transferred and abducted Ukrainian children. We will spare no effort until these children are returned and justice has prevailed.
Mr. President,
We renew the call for Russia to end its aggression and immediately withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory, within its own internationally recognized borders, and to meet its responsibilities as a permanent member of this Council.