Thank you, Chair.
Norway aligns with the statement delivered by the EU, but please allow me to make a few remarks in my national capacity.
First. As Russia continues its intensified attacks on Ukraine and hybrid operations across Europe, Europe’s resilience grows stronger. Norway and our allies will continue our support to Ukraine and are steadfast in our support for each other. Attempts to diminish our resolve to support Ukraine will not succeed. We will not be deterred.
Second. Norway condemns the illegal organization by the Russian Federation of the sham “elections” in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine; Crimea and Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia. These actions are a gross violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the UN Charter.
Not only are they organized in violation of international law, but they are also an insult to Ukraine, to the population of the temporary occupied territories, and to the OSCE principles.
The sham elections do not change the fact that these territories remain Ukrainian. They cannot be used to legitimize Russia’s continued illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, nor do they demonstrate genuine public support for it.
Mr Chair,
Norway’s support for Ukraine and its right to determine its own future remains undiminished. As is our determination to hold Russia to account for its violations of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories.
We demand that Russia ends this war today.
Thank you.