Thank you, Mr. Chair
I extend my sincere condolances to the families of the victims of the killings of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington, DC.
Norway stands with the people of Ukraine as they defend their homes, their democracy, and European security.
Two days ago, our Crown Prince Haakon visited Ukraine and met with President Zelenskyj. He underscored Norway’s unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people and our deep respect for their resilience.
We join others in demanding that Russia agree to an immediate, full, and unconditional 30 days cease-fire—one that Ukraine has already accepted. This would be the first step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, respecting Ukrainian independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia must demonstrate a genuine willingness for peace and not obstruct progress with new demands and continued attacks on Ukraine.
We welcome the European Union’s seventeenth sanctions package. By cutting off the shadow fleet, curbing oil revenues, and denying access to critical technology, these measures weaken Russia’s war machine. We urge all states to prevent sanctions evasion and halt the flow of components that fuel Russian missiles.
Ending this war rests with Moscow. The road is clear: stop the attacks, withdraw the Russian forces from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine, respect Ukraine’s borders, release prisoners of wars and others unlawfully detained, including our three OSCE-colleagues, Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov, bring back the thousands of deported Ukrainian children and engage in genuine diplomacy. Norway will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes—for our shared freedom, for European security, and for a just and lasting peace.
I thank you.