Mr. President,

Thank you for convening the meeting today and for the chance to speak.

Let me at the outset say that I am happy that the Prime Minister of Ukraine is able to be present today. And allow me to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenca for his insightful briefing at the beginning. Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union.

Mr. President,

While we are here discussing the unprovoked Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of men, women and children in Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine are preparing for another night of fear. As they lie down to sleep, they dread to again witness an abhorrent attack. An attack such as the one two days ago where, as the Prime Minister said, at least 25 people, including 4 children, lost their lives in a brutal Russian airstrike. This is an illegal attack, an indiscriminate attack which we utterly condemn.

And I would like to join many others around the table in extending my heartfelt condolences to you, Prime Minister, to your country, and especially to the families of the victims.

Of course, just as many others, we were shocked to learn also that the building of the EU Delegation and the British Council suffered serious damages during that attack. And of course that a security guard of the British Council was injured and hospitalized by this attack.

Two facts remain evident after these attacks: First, Russia has demonstrated again its blatant disregard of the most basic norms of international law and international humanitarian law. And second, the Ukrainian people continue to show admirable resilience and determination in defending their sovereignty.

Mr. President,

I think, we have to all ask ourselves what the intention of Russia is? And why is Russia conducting these indiscriminate attacks against innocent civilians?

For weeks, actually months, Russia’s leaders and diplomats have been claiming to seek negotiations and peace. But the same time, Russia relentlessly launches rockets into Ukraine and into residential areas of Ukraine.

The position of Ukraine, on the other hand, is clear. Ukraine has suffered an illegal invasion which has cost more than 13,000 lives to this day. And yet, Ukraine stands ready for an unconditional ceasefire at any moment.

Mr. President,

I think there are no excuses for Member States who truly stand behind the principles of the UN Charter to look away. Every government that wishes to play a constructive role, and every Member State that seeks a diplomatic solution should increase pressure on the aggressor in order to finally stop the killing.

My question, and the question we should ask the Russian Federation is simple. If Russia is sincere about peace, why can it not agree to a ceasefire?

Let there be no doubt: Germany, together with its European allies, will spare no effort to achieve an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, and ultimately, a just and lasting peace and long-term security for the people of Ukraine, that must be rooted in the principles of the UN Charter.

The territorial integrity of UN Member States must be respected and international borders must not be changed by force. Germany, together with its allies, will support Ukraine in its right to defend itself – as long as it takes.

Mr President,

Every night the people of Ukraine have to spend in fear is one too much. It is time to act.

I thank you.