HRC58 - NB8 statement - Ministerial side event: 11 years of human resistance to the Russian aggression
Human Rights Council - 58th session
Ministerial side event: 11 years of human resistance to the Russian aggression
Statement by H.E. Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states
25 February 2025
Chair,
From the devastation of the Second World War emerged a profound realization: international armed conflict is a detriment to all humankind, and every effort must be made to preserve peace.
Yet yesterday, we marked a grim anniversary—three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For 11 years Ukraine has endured Russian aggression and the occupation of Crimea and Donbas. A war of conquest we believed had no place in modern Europe has returned to our continent.
The Nordic-Baltic states unequivocally condemn Russia‘s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.
We reiterate our unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
We stand in full solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Let us be clear: this is not a conflict between two parties. This is a war in which Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council member is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the victim.
Chair,
Russia‘s blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, has profoundly altered the security situation in Europe and is a grave threat to the rules-based international order.
No one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine. But peace must be just and lasting, based on the UN Charter principles. The freedom of Ukraine must be guaranteed and there can be no impunity for Russia’s atrocities.
The international community must unite behind this goal. We all have a collective interest to safeguard a rules-based international order and prevent the destruction and devastation - not only in Ukraine but wherever aggression threatens global security.
Chair,
The Nordic-Baltic countries are resolute in our support to Ukraine. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in securing peace and justice and in efforts to rebuild the country.