Thank you, Mr President.

A thousand days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine – a grim milestone in modern history. So many lives - too many lives - have been lost: Ukrainian children, civilians and soldiers. Our thoughts are with all those who have suffered and lost their lives due to Russia’s aggression, including those affected by this weekend’s wave of massive airstrikes, which killed civilians and caused severe damage to Ukraine’s power system.

Targeting civilian infrastructure is unacceptable and constitutes a potential war crime. The Security Council must remain consistent and firm in condemning such actions, demanding that civilians be protected.

Around the world, we hear resounding calls for an immediate end to this devastating war. And yet, in our pursuit of a sustainable peace in Ukraine, we must be clear: Russia’s occupation and annexation of Ukrainian territories are unmistakable violations of international law and a blatant affront to the UN Charter, which cannot be justified through sham referenda or the like.

We cannot condone Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as a viable path to peace. Let us not forget the high cost of yielding to the illegal use of force by a state attacking its neighbor. Every Member State of the United Nations must reject such a course. Russia must be held accountable.

Germany remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine comprehensively, including its diplomatic efforts to end this conflict. Any peace must be based on the UN Charter and not imposed over the heads of the Ukrainian people, who have borne the brunt of this aggression — for a thousand days now. We stand unwaveringly by Ukraine and call on Russia once again to end this war immediately and fully withdraw its troops.

Only then can we build a just and lasting peace.

I thank you.