Thank you, Mr Chair.
In this Council, it is essential from time to time to revisit fundamental principles and unquestionable truths. This is precisely what I aim to address in my statement today.
Commitments Under the Budapest Memorandum
In 1994, Russia undertook a commitment to uphold Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity as part of the Budapest Memorandum. However, in 2014, Russian military forces invaded Crimea, unlawfully seizing the peninsula and attempting to annex it. Notably, there was no legitimate threat to the residents of Crimea at that time.
Following this, Russia instigated, armed, and perpetuated conflict in eastern Ukraine for eight years, all while undermining the Minsk Agreements and falsely presenting itself as their guarantor.
On 24 February 2022, Russia escalated its aggression by launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign nation that had not initiated any hostilities against Russia. This invasion was entirely unprovoked and represented a conscious decision made in Moscow.
Denial and Deception
Prior to the invasion, Russian officials consistently denied any intentions of military aggression. In this Council, they dismissed warnings regarding potential attacks as “unsubstantiated conjectures” and “scare stories.” Yet, the invasion unfolded as predicted, starkly contradicting their assurances.
In the process, Russia violated the United Nations Charter, breached its commitments under the Budapest Memorandum, and disregarded every principle outlined in the Helsinki Final Act.
These principles are clear: states possess sovereignty, borders cannot be altered through force, and disputes should be resolved through peaceful means. Russia negotiated and willingly accepted these principles, yet it made the deliberate choice to violate them.
The Ongoing Conflict
As we mark the 1,681st day of Russia’s full-scale invasion, it is evident that what Moscow anticipated would conclude within three days has persisted for over four and a half years. Furthermore, Russia shows no signs of de-escalation; instead, it is on track to achieve unprecedented levels of missile and drone assaults against Ukraine this year.
The manner in which Russia is conducting this war is well-documented. Reports from the ODIHR, United Nations bodies, and independent experts appointed under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism have highlighted serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Some actions have been identified as potentially constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity, with evidence from the atrocities committed in Bucha being a notable example.
Path to Peace
One of the pivotal roles of this Council is to seek solutions, and in this instance, the solution is clear: an immediate, unconditional ceasefire must be accepted, paving the way for serious negotiations towards a fair and lasting peace.
Despite being the victim of unprovoked aggression, Ukraine has expressed its willingness to agree to such a ceasefire and remains prepared for meaningful discussions. Conversely, Russia has consistently rejected these overtures. However, it is crucial to understand that Russia holds the power to end its unjust war in Ukraine.
Support for Ukraine’s Sovereignty
Lastly, Mr Chair, let me make one final assertion: Russia will not dissuade us from our steadfast support for Ukraine and its legitimate right to self-defence.
Thank you, Mr Chair.