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President, 

Thank you for convening this emergency meeting. Thank you to the briefers for their updates. 

The images from Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities are harrowing. Every day, ordinary civilians are paying the ultimate price of Russia’s unprovoked and illegal aggression. Russia must immediately cease its indiscriminate missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns. Intentionally directing an attack against civilians or civilian objects or causing disproportionate civilian harm is a war crime. 

The EU supports an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine, and other international partners, including the United States, have called for this too. Such a pause in hostilities could serve as a vital step toward reducing civilian suffering and allowing for further exchanges of prisoners of war and for the return of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children.

In February, Russia voted in favour of a UNSC resolution imploring a swift end to the conflict. Why has it not followed suit? We call on the Security Council to exert maximum pressure for a ceasefire. It would provide space for meaningful talks aimed at ending Russia’s war of aggression and achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law. 

Furthermore, the EU strongly condemns support by third countries, and actors and entities therein, which enable Russia to sustain its war of aggression. We urge all countries to immediately cease any direct or indirect assistance to Russia in its war of aggression.

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. 

Thank you.