Mr President,
I would like to thank Under Secretary General Di-Carlo for her briefing.
In the cold light of day,
three years after Russia’s large-scale unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,
we face a bleak and harsh reality,
in which, if we do not act now, might is right.
We cannot have the aggressor impose a deal on the victim, an aggressor who continues to intensify its
attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Saturday’s large scale drone attacks do not show an intention by Russia to end this war.
We cannot let a blatant violation of the UN charter, a violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, stand.
This would create a dangerous precedent for the future, undermining the principles of international law
and the sovereignty of all nations.
Ukraine needs to be an equal partner in the negotiations. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.
And as the security of Europe is directly impacted, Europe should be involved too. Only inclusive
negotiations can lead to a just and lasting peace.
Mr President,
This war must end.
Not just for the sake of Ukraine and Europe, but for the sake of the world. Russia’s aggression has had
devastating and long-lasting consequences, for food security, for the environment, and for nuclear
security.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands calls on all countries that are enabling Russia’s aggression to stop
providing Moscow with a lifeline to prolong this unjust war.
We call on all member states to help find a just, lasting and comprehensive peace for the Ukrainian
people, in accordance with the UN Charter. Changing borders by force must not be rewarded, territorial
integrity is crucial, now and in the future.
We must uphold the Charter – or risk living in a world where might is right.
Thank you.