Madam President,

Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union.

At the outset, allow me to join others in thanking the briefers for their important contributions.

Madam President,

On Monday, while the world was watching the escalation in the Middle East, Russian forces launched one of the most devastating airstrikes on Kyiv since the start of the war, causing extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure. At least 28 people were killed and over 140 injured.

This is yet another sign that Russia is using diplomacy as a façade. Russia is sidestepping, dragging its feet and keeps pushing its maximalist demands.

Russia does not want a just and lasting diplomatic solution, but Ukraine’s unconditional surrender. This is also evident in the memorandum presented in Istanbul. Recently, the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, acknowledged that the Istanbul Talks were not aimed at striking a compromise for peace, but for ensuring a swift victory for Russia.

Let me be clear: it is the Russian Federation which is fighting an illegal and unprovoked war of territorial expansion against its sovereign neighbor. We, on the contrary, are supporting Ukraine’s legitimate right to defend itself against an act of aggression.

Together with Ukraine, we are heeding the unequivocal call of the General Assembly and the Secretary-General to work towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. A peace rooted in the UN Charter and international law.

As we and many others have raised before in this Chamber: How the war ends does matter – not only to Ukraine and Europe, but to every member state of this organization. We must avoid at all costs that the aggressor is rewarded for its aggression. In a world, where might replaces right, the security of all nations is eroded – threatening us all.

Germany, Europe – and above all Ukraine – want this war to end. And we want it to end now. Ukraine has demonstrated its willingness and commitment to accept a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire without preconditions months ago. How much longer must we wait for Russia to show it is truly ready for peace?

We will continue to work with partners to increase the pressure for Russia to negotiate in earnest. When we call on Russia to engage, we mean true and genuine engagement for a full, unconditional ceasefire as the first step toward peace – immediately, and without further preconditions.

Thank you.