Statement by H.E Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN, at the Security Council Briefing on Ukraine

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16 January 2025

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Thank you, Mr. President,

I extend my appreciation to USG DiCarlo for her briefing.

As we speak, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues unabated. Ukraine continues to fight for its very existence. Its citizens forced to endure immense suffering in an illegal war. A war of conquest in blatant violation of the United Nations Charter.

***

Mr. President,

As we approach the three-year mark of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the plight of Ukraine continues. Each passing day brings further death, destruction and hardship: civilians killed in attacks on residential areas; homes reduced to rubble; schools, hospitals and critical infrastructure decimated. Millions of Ukrainians face daily struggles during the winter to secure heating, water, and electricity.

These are not just abstract words in a statement. They represent human lives, cruely cut short by this senseless war. They represent the suffering endured by children, by families, by entire communities, by an entire nation.

And for what cause?

For the Kremlin’s dream of turning back the clock to a world where might makes right. Where borders can be redrawn by brute force. This is the absurdity we face: An unprovoked war fuelled by lies and imperialist nostalgia.

Russia claims to act in self-defence, yet it is Ukrainian cities that lie in ruins.

Russia claims to defend its people, yet it has sent hundreds of thousands of its own soldiers in needless deaths.

Russia claims to be an advocate for the poorest and most vulnerable against alleged colonialism. Yet it is fuelling instability in the world’s most fragile regions by attacking global food supply routes.

These crimes cannot go unanswered. This war has global consequences. The world cannot afford to stand idly by as Russia tramples on international law and human dignity.

Mr President,

The suffering of the Ukrainians is widespread. It is harrowing. But it is not, I repeat, not inevitable. This war could stop immediately if only the aggressor, Russia, stopped attacking Ukraine and withdrew its forces. We call on Russia to do just that.

When that day comes, when the fighting does finally end, Russia will need to answer for its unlawful actions.

Russia must be held accountable.

Denmark supports all efforts to ensure full accountability. Justice demands it.

***

Mr. President,

It is also clear that Russia is not waging this war alone. We are deeply concerned by Russia’s intensified military cooperation with third countries.  It continues to rely on drones from Iran.  Artillery, ammunition, and ballistic missiles from the DPRK. Even troops. Breaching resolutions this Council has agreed on by consensus.

Russia would not have been able to rebuild its military industrial base without significant economic support and dual-use technology from third countries. All of which helps sustain its illegal war.

This practical cooperation all points to a further, more sinister trend. Russia is forging dangerous alliances with ramifications that extend far beyond the continent of Europe.

***

Mr. President,

Denmark stands in full solidarity with Ukraine. We remain steadfast in our commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will not waiver in our support for Ukraine’s right to self-defence and to freely choose its own future.

We will continue to stand up to Russia’s aggression and those countries who seek to support it with steadfast determination. We will continue to call out Russia’s attempts to legitimize its war in this chamber. We do so undeterred, guided by our commitment to uphold and defend international law and the United Nations Charter.

Colleagues,

Let 2025 be the year we prove that the world will not allow tyranny to triumph. Let it be the year we prove that aggressors are not allowed to violate the sovereignty of a nation with impunity. And let it be the year that the ruinous devastation of this war is brought to an end.

We will continue to stand with Ukraine — today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes.

Thank you.

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