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.
Repeatedly we have heard Russia attempt to shift responsibility for a war that it alone chose to start and that it can chose to end at any time.
The facts remain unchanged. Russia launched an unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression against its neighbour Ukraine. Russia continues to violate fundamental principles of international law and the commitments it has undertaken in this organization. Russia continues to bear full responsibility for the devastating human, economic and security consequences of this war.
Mr Chair,
Russia continues to portray NATOs strengthened defence posture as a source of instability. The facts tell a different story. For decades following the end of the Cold War, allied nations significantly reduced their defence spending and military capabilities. It was only after repeated Russian military interventions, from Georgia in 2008 to Ukraine in 2014 and the full-scale invention in 2022, that allies began in 2014 to slowly increase defence spending, and the substantially increase investments in their collective defence from 2022 onwards.
NATO remains a defensive Alliance. Its purpose is to deter aggression and protect its members, not to threaten Russia. The increased defence spending and military preparedness we see across Europe today are a direct response to Russia's actions and to the increasingly unstable security environment created by its war of aggression. Cause and effect should not be confused.
Mr. Chair
In recent weeks we have seen repeated attacks against bridges in and around Kyiv. Alongside strikes targeting fuel stations, storage facilities and other infrastructure. These attacks should not be viewed in isolation. Taken together they form part of a broader Russian strategy aimed at disrupting mobility, logistics and the daily functioning of Ukrainian society.
The OSCE is not merely a forum for reporting violations. It is also an arena where facts matter, where false narratives must be challenged.
We urge Russia to take steps towards peace, to cease all attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure, withdraw their military forces out of Ukraine and genuinely engage in negotiations.
Thank you.