I would like to read out a statement on behalf of Ukraine, Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Today we mark three years since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We reiterate our resolute condemnation of this flagrant violation of international law.

In a fluid geopolitical environment, it is a strong signal that the UN membership made an appeal for peace in Ukraine today. The GA has demanded an early end to this war of aggression and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine, in line with the Charter. It also reiterated the urgent need to end the war this year, and to redouble diplomatic efforts to achieve such peace.

It is profoundly important that the UN General Assembly reaffirmed its clear support for international law and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter.

I want to stress that any peace that risks rewarding aggression increases the risk for any country, wherever in the world, to face similar aggression. It creates a dangerous precedent for the future, undermining the principles of international law and the sovereignty of all nations.

We deplore Russia’s failure to implement the UN General Assembly resolutions, adopted at its 11^th Emergency Special Session.

We reiterate our demand to Russia to stop its war of aggression against Ukraine and to ensure the full, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian forces and military equipment from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. We also demand an immediate cessation of hostilities by Russia against Ukraine, in particular of any attacks against civilians and civilian objects.

We will continue working on ensuring accountability for serious crimes under international law committed on the territory of Ukraine as part of Russia’s aggression. We reiterate that the ICJ Order of March 2022 obliges Russia to immediately suspend its military operation in the territory of Ukraine.

We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters.