Madame. President,

Thank you very much, and thanks to the presidency for convening this important meeting. Thank you, Under-Secretary-General Di Carlo and Assistant Secretary-General Ratwatte, for your insightful briefings.

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

Russia's latest massive strikes against Ukrainian cities mark yet another dangerous escalation in its war of aggression against its sovereign neighbor. Once again, Russian bombs have killed and injured innocent civilians. Indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure demonstrate a deliberate pattern of state-sanctioned terror, entirely unjustified under any military pretext.

Threats against diplomatic missions and foreign citizens in Kyiv are a concern to all of us. This is unacceptable and we utterly condemn it.

Russia’s shift towards increasingly reckless warfare highlights, above all, one clear fact: It is unable to advance on the ground, yet remains unwilling to end its war.

Madame. President,

President Zelenskyy has offered an immediate ceasefire as a first step on the path to meaningful negotiations. Last Thursday, he published an open letter suggesting a face-to-face meeting in a renewed bid to end the war in Ukraine. However, his offer was immediately refused.

How can one defend choosing aggression over diplomacy? There is no justifiable reason, whether on ethical grounds or under international law, to turn down the offer of a ceasefire and peace talks. And the cynical attempt by Russia to deflect the attention from who started this war by accusing European countries of lacking sympathy with civilian casualties will not succeed.

We urgently call upon all member states to join us in sending this clear message to Russia: Enough is enough. End this abhorrent violence. Halt your rockets, and agree to a ceasefire.

Let me assure you: Together with our European partners, Germany stands ready to support and sustain a process towards substantial peace talks. But let there be no doubt: Germany, together with its European and transatlantic allies, will neither rest nor relent until freedom, peace, and security for Ukraine are restored. We reaffirm our continued and unwavering support for Ukraine's resilience independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Ukraine will remain resilient, as our support is unshakeable.

I thank you.