President,
I have the honor to address the Council on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.
Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine is continuing for the fifth year, with the publicly and openly declared intention to grab territory from an independent neighboring country, and annex it for good.
The war has resulted in 15 000 civilian deaths - not to mention the total human toll and economic and environmental costs of the invasion, some of them global. All this destruction caused by unlawful invasion, as pointless as it was over four years ago.
The Nordic countries have stated this before, and I reiterate: the Russian Federation could end this war today, simply by calling its troops home. We regret that the political will to stop the aggression is still lacking, after more than four years. Despite this grim backdrop, there is ground for hope.
First, Russia’s war of aggression is not progressing according to the aggressor’s plans. What was initially portrayed as a three-day operation, has now lasted for over four years. Russia has lost a staggering amount of both personnel and military materiel. Russia has also lost a staggering amount of military materiel. At the same time, the Ukrainian resilience has remained remarkable. The invading Russian troops have been stalled, even pushed back in some parts of the frontline. It is obvious that Russia is failing to meet its objectives on the battleground.
Second, there have been several serious initiatives to promote peace. These discussions need to continue and gain momentum. The Nordic countries appreciate all the good efforts made in this regard, including by the US. Regrettably, we are yet to see the Russian Federation engage in a genuine and meaningful manner.
Third, significant progress has been made to establish a robust accountability framework. International courts and tribunals are playing a substantial role, with ICC investigations and ICJ proceedings moving forward. The Nordic countries are committed to the ongoing work of the Register of Damage for Ukraine - and stand firmly behind the establishment of the Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
Fourth, spring is coming. Ukrainians have made it through another gruesome winter, battling the bitter, freezing cold that is caused by Russia’s attacks against energy infrastructure. Intentional attacks against civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, amount to war crimes. A clear objective behind Russia’s unlawful means and methods of warfare is to overcome Ukraine’s civilian resilience. Yet again, Ukraine has prevailed. Furthermore, Ukraine’s international partners are there to support it in preparing for the next winter.
Russia, as one of the five permanent members of this Council, has a particular responsibility to uphold the UN Charter and its core principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence. Instead, Russia blatantly violates the UN Charter and its core principles.
In closing, President, the Nordic countries reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine, and for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with international law, including the UN Charter.
Thank you.