1. Russia has shown no interest in peace and continues to intensify its attacks on civilians and civilian objects across Ukraine, striking homes, transport and energy infrastructure, warehouses, hospitals and schools.
2. According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, more than 400 civilians were killed or injured on average each week in the first eight months of 2026 — a 55% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Overall, more than 15,000 civilians were killed or injured across Ukraine during that period. Along the front line, nearly 2,500 civilians were killed or injured by Russian aerial glide bombs in eight months, 62% more than a year earlier. Russian drones and missiles continue to strike Kyiv around the clock. In September, civilian casualties were recorded on 16 of the first 24 days of the month — a level not seen in any other month in the capital since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
3. We unequivocally condemn these attacks and demand that Russia immediately and unconditionally cease its aggression, withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, and fully respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The EU remains steadfast in its pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, grounded in international law, including the rules and principles of UN Charter, as well as the Helsinki Final Act. We urge Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace by agreeing to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and by engaging in meaningful negotiations.
4. We urge again all countries to immediately cease any assistance to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, whether direct or indirect, and notably through the provision of dual-use goods and components. In particular, we strongly condemn the deployment of the DPRK’s military forces in the war against Ukraine as well as the continued military support provided to Russia by Iran, Belarus and the DPRK, among others.
Mr. Chair,
5. Reports last week of Russian strikes on schools in Sumy and Kyiv, where children were sheltering in basements, are horrific. Since the start of its aggression, Russia has damaged 4,278 schools across Ukraine and completely destroyed 428. More than 300 educational institutions in Kyiv alone have been damaged by missile strikes, drone attacks and blast waves. Such attacks deprive children of safe access to education and expose them to further displacement and psychological trauma, once again underscoring Russia’s continued disregard for international humanitarian law. The European Union has dedicated €100 million to support the rehabilitation of damaged schools and safe access to education in Ukraine, while also providing more than 380 school buses and 1.5 million textbooks to help children continue their education.
6. There can be no impunity for violations of international law committed by Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Those responsible must be held accountable, and victims must have access to justice and effective remedies. The OSCE plays and will continue to play a role in view of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
7. We call on Russia to release immediately and unconditionally all unlawfully detained civilians, including the three OSCE staff members — Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov.
Mr. Chair,
8. We will continue our firm and unwavering support for Ukraine and further increase pressure on Russia, including through sanctions. We strongly condemn the threats issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation against the international community in Kyiv and reiterate that Russia remains bound by the international law, including the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations and international humanitarian law. These threats will not deter us. The EU and its Member States are bound to stay in Ukraine and with Ukraine.