EU Statement – UN General Assembly: 11th Emergency Special Session on Ukraine

Check against delivery

President, 

I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the EU and 26 of its Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden).

Thank you for convening this meeting.  Today we mark a tragic anniversary: four years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an egregious violation of the UN Charter by a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

I want to express my deep solidarity to the Ukrainian people who have suffered immensely as a result. Their resilience in defending their country from Russia’s brutal aggression and standing up for the principles of the UN Charter is profoundly humbling and an inspiration to us all. 

The reason the UN General Assembly has been seized once again of the situation in Ukraine is because the Russian Federation has blocked any meaningful UNSC action. The only resolution it has allowed to pass, in February last year, which called for a swift end to the conflict, it has simply refused to implement. 

Here are the facts: the past year, Russia has massively escalated its attacks. In 2025, it launched over 54,000 long-range drones and over 1,900 missiles against Ukraine and a 10% increase in child casualties has been reported. In the middle of a freezing winter, Russia has cynically and systematically targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, deliberately hurting civilians. These are not the actions of a country interested in ending its war of aggression. Intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects is a war crime and its perpetrators must be held fully accountable. 

Russia’s war of aggression has also had far-reaching repercussions beyond Ukraine’s borders. It has disrupted global food and energy markets and has affected countries in Africa, in Latin America, in Asia, thousands of kilometres away from Ukraine. Politically, the war has deepened divisions among countries and eroded trust in international institutions and norms. It has turned attention and resources away from global public efforts such as cooperation on trade, development, and climate change. 

We urge Russia, once again, to end its aggression and call on all members of the UN to ensure that Russia engages in meaningful negotiations. This resolution is an opportunity to do so. 

The short and streamlined text tabled by Ukraine recalls the most fundamental principles of the UN charter that we all adhered to and has three operational paragraphs calling for (i) an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, (ii) a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter and international law, and (iii) confidence building measures between the two sides. This resolution is a clear message of support to ongoing peace efforts. It is fully in line with what the majority of UN members have called for since the start of Russia’s aggression. This resolution is a message. A vote in favour of this resolution is a vote for peace and for the UN Charter.

I also call for the swift implementation of ESS resolution 11/9 on the return of Ukrainian children adopted by a clear majority in December 2025 in response to UN-verified evidence of forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children. We look forward to updates on how the UN Secretary-General has exercised his good offices to facilitate the children’s return and ensure access for international monitoring and humanitarian organisations.

Colleagues,

The rules and principles enshrined in the UN Charter — sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes — are international obligations binding on all States. They are under strain in Ukraine and elsewhere, and respect for them is essential for the security of all states, large and small alike. How this war ends will further shape the future perception of these principles. If aggression is rewarded or normalized, sovereignty and territorial integrity risk becoming perceived as negotiable, weakening international stability across the globe everywhere. If Russia is allowed to change borders by force, others can try too.

I conclude by reaffirming the EU’s continued and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We welcome the ongoing diplomatic efforts to put an end to the war. In coordination with our partners, we will continue to pursue an immediate ceasefire and a just and lasting peace, and provide comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people.

Thank you.