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President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

I would like to thank ASG Msuya for her briefing, which, once again, highlighted the dramatic humanitarian consequences of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine.

More than two years after the start of the full-scale invasion, we are still confronted with the same surreal situation: while preparing for its Presidency of the Security Council next month, Russia, a P5 member, is at the same time launching a new offensive with intensive strikes on Kharkiv region, with systematic and brutal bombings of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

I would like to insist on three main points:

First, Russia must uphold international law and cease its attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure now. The past weeks, successive attacks in the Kharkiv region have caused more death and destruction, triggering a new wave of displacement. Reporting by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has highlighted the terrifying impact on civilians of Russia’s latest escalation.  Those that have fled the frontline in search of safety are suffering new trauma in Kharkiv.

Russia has also intensified its attacks on civilian infrastructure, including Ukraine’s power plants. Such systematic air strikes against Ukraine’s civilians and civilian and critical infrastructure violate international humanitarian law and must stop immediately and unconditionally. They disproportionately impact the most vulnerable, leaving millions of households with no power, housing, water, gas, or access to basic services. According to OCHA’s latest Situation Report, continuous attacks on schools and medical facilities are making access to essential health care and education ever more challenging. Just this year the UN has verified 70 attacks against heath care facilities and 90 attacks against schools in Ukraine. The WHO reports that as a result of Russia’s aggression over 1.5 million children in Ukraine are in urgent need of mental health support.

Second, full humanitarian access needs to be ensured: we commend the efforts of OCHA and all humanitarian partners to provide assistance to those in need, which is currently more than 40% of Ukraine’s population. The UN has repeatedly highlighted the challenge of reaching civilians in areas currently under temporary Russian occupation. This means an estimated 1.5 million people are being cut off from humanitarian aid. While it wages a war of aggression, it shows no concern for the welfare of civilians in the areas it temporarily occupies. In accordance with international humanitarian law, Russia must facilitate full, safe, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for all civilians in need. It must also ensure freedom of movement for humanitarian workers.

As is the case for all crises around the world, the EU and its member states will continue to contribute generously to the UN’s humanitarian response, also in Ukraine. We call on all nations to step up their support as well.

Third, we reiterate our support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the UN Charter. To this end, the aggressor must immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine. Next week, Switzerland is hosting a Summit on Peace in Ukraine which will reaffirm the centrality of international law, including the UN Charter and its principles. We call on all states to participate. The EU will be represented at the highest level.

President,

In closing, Russia and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression and for other most serious crimes under international law.  I reaffirm the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

The EU will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed.

I thank you.