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Colleagues, 

The Candidate Countries Montenegro*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^* and Georgia, and the EFTA country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Andorra, Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

I would like to thank [the briefers] for providing a clear assessment of the destruction caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and to the Presidency for scheduling this meeting at a critical time. 

The time for peace in Ukraine is now. The EU reiterates its support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, based on the UN Charter and international law. We welcome all efforts towards reaching peace in line with the UN Charter. Ukraine has demonstrated its readiness to accept a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire without preconditions. Instead of reciprocating, Russia has stepped up its relentless attacks on Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure. We call on Russia to demonstrate a willingness to achieve peace without further delay. There can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no negotiations that affect European security without Europe. The EU is ready to continue playing its full part.

Regrettably, the past weeks have provided further evidence of Russia’s lack of interest in any ceasefire, with daily, deadly attacks. OHCHR has verified an increase in civilian casualties since the start of the year as a result of Russian attacks. According to UN human rights monitors, from 1 to 24 April 2025, Russian attacks caused 848 civilian casualties, with the deadliest single attack of this year on the city centre of Sumy killing 35 people and wounding 117.  Last week, Russia launched what is likely the largest combined drone and ballistic missile attack since 2022, across Ukraine.  Russia’s campaign of systematic air strikes against Ukraine’s civilians and civilian critical infrastructure violates international humanitarian law and must stop immediately. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, these attacks have been of a widespread, indiscriminate and systematic nature.

There can be no impunity. Russia and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression and for other most serious crimes under international law. 

We commend the efforts of OCHA and its humanitarian partners in providing assistance to those in need. We take note of OCHA’s Re-Prioritized Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, particularly its continued focus on reaching frontline communities. Full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access must be facilitated for humanitarian relief to reach all civilians in need, including in areas under temporary Russian occupation. 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 and we call on all nations to step up their support as well. 

In closing, 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. 

We need a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. And we need it now. 

Thank you.

* Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.