Mr. Chair,
This past weekend saw yet another record-breaking attack on Ukraine by Russia. The contrast could not be starker: in the halls of the United Nations, Russia speaks of peace; on the ground in Ukraine, its illegal war continues day and night.
Three years ago, Russia declared its annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhziha. Norway will never accept this blatant violation of international law.
Just as we will not accept Russia’s widespread and systematic violations of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, most recently documented in its treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war in the latest Moscow Mechanism report. We call on Russia to give the ICRC [International Commission of the Red Cross] full and unfettered access to prison facilities and recognize the status of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Mr. Chair,
Yesterday, Camp Jomsborg was officially opened in Lipa, South-Eastern Poland. Norway, as lead nation for Operation Legio, is working with the other Nordic and Baltic countries to train and equip Ukrainian personnel. The new base will serve as the hub for this joint effort.
Norway has committed around NOK 10 billion this year to Operation Legio — supporting material donations, infrastructure and training. Together, the Nordic and Baltic contributions amount to materiel for two brigades. United, we help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and reinforce its forces on the frontline.
Mr. Chair,
The Russian patterns of brutality and blatant disregard of international law continue unabated. Underpinned by support from DPRK, Belarus, Iran, and enabled by China. In a war that Russia started, and which it can any time choose to end [by fully and unconditionally cease hostilities and withdraw from the sovereign territory of Ukraine.]
Our support to Ukraine in its lawful defence against the Russian war of aggression, also continues unabated.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.