Madam Chair.
We condemn the intensified, massive and continuous Russian attacks across Ukraine – targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. We deplore the Russian lack of will to peace. As the international community gathered last week in Rome in support of Ukraine’s reconstruction, Russia responded with missile and drone attacks. As Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Eide stated: “The contrast is stark and underscores that Russia remains committed to its war crimes”. Crimes that are amply documented also in the latest ODIHR report on violations of humanitarian law and international human rights law in Ukraine.
Russia bears the sole responsibility for this war, and Russia is responsible for ending it.
As Russia continues its illegal aggression against Ukraine, we intensify our support to Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. Norway remains committed tosupporting Ukraine, both through civilian and military support. We recently allocated NOK 25 million annually from the civilian component of the Nansen Programme to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience against cyberattacks targeting critical civilian infrastructure. On the military side, Norway focuses on delivering sustained support based on Ukranian needs. As an example, the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace recently entered agreements with major Ukrainian defence industry companies to develop and deliver low-cost air defence missiles and unmanned surface vessels produced in Ukraine, financed by the Norwegian government. Norway will also support the further delivery of Patriot and other weapon systems from the USA and other NATO countries.
Madam Chair,
Norway reaffirms its steadfast support for Ukraine and its people as they exercise their inherent right to self-defence. We will continue to address the atrocities, aggression and violations of international law perpetrated by Russia and to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Thank you, Madam Chair.