Norway aligns with the statement made by the European Union but allow me to make a few remarks in my national capacity.
Norway is deeply alarmed by the continued impact of Russian attacks on humanitarian workers, humanitarian infrastructure and civilians in Ukraine.
Last week, the Ukrainian Red Cross’s main warehouse in Kyiv was destroyed in a Russian attack. Two weeks ago, two deminers from Norwegian People’s Aid were killed.
These incidents are a few, but part of a broader pattern. Russian attacks continue to hit and damage civilian infrastructure and affect humanitarian operations across Ukraine. These actions are part of Russia’s systematic campaign to terrorize the civilian population, degrade humanitarian operations, and undermine Ukraine’s resilience. Humanitarian personnel and civilians are protected under the Geneva Conventions. Through the Code of Conduct, all Participating States have committed to protecting civilians and humanitarian assistance. They must never be targeted in armed conflict. Norway condemns these attacks in the strongest terms.
The war in Ukraine and the deterioration of security in Europe are the direct result of the actions of one participating State. No Russian narrative can obscure the fundamental reality. Russia chose to launch this war of aggression against Ukraine and bears full responsibility for all its consequences.
We also reject Russia’s repeated and unfounded claims in this Forum that Western support for Ukraine is provocative and responsible for escalation. Such assertions seek to deflect attention from a simple fact: Russia initiated this war and continues its aggression against Ukraine. Every single day.
We will continue to support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved, and beyond. Just as we will continue to condemn Russian aggression, escalation and disinformation in this forum and elsewhere.
Thank you.