18 November 2024
President
I begin by thanking you for convening and chairing this high-level briefing. I also thank USG DiCarlo for her insightful and sobering remarks. In two days we will mark the thousandth day anniversary since the Russian Federation decided to start a war of aggression against its sovereign neighbour, Ukraine, in violation of the UN Charter.
As we approach this grim milestone, Malta remains firm in its belief that this Council must ensure that International Law is upheld at all times. Regrettably, Russia’s actions on the ground and in this Council constitute a direct affront to the principles and values that unite us.
The unrelenting attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, in particular on energy infrastructure, which has a direct impact on Ukraine’s social and economic development and on preparations for the upcoming winter months have to stop. This Council must reiterate in no uncertain terms its call on all parties to uphold IHL, and the principles of distinction and of proportionality. Malta also continues to call for full, safe and unfettered access for all humanitarian workers currently operating on the ground in Ukraine.
Just last Saturday the Russian Federation launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine targeting multiple targets with a focus on energy infrastructure. People were killed and injured and the country suffered significant damage to its energy plants which led to blackouts and country wide restrictions. This was one of the largest attacks on Ukraine in recent months with the clear intention to deplete Ukraine’s energy production capacity ahead of the winter months. This news is coupled with the increased intensity of missile and drone attacks which have picked up during recent months.
Ukrainian civilians continue to suffer the brunt of this unjustified and unprovoked war.
President
We again express our deep concern with regards to the transfer of weapons and ammunition from DPRK and Iran to the Russian Federation. These transfers prolong Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine and continue to deteriorate the humanitarian situation in the country. Some of these transfers violate UN Security Council resolutions.
In addition, the deployment of troops from the DPRK on the frontlines in Ukraine represents a dangerous escalation. The presence of foreign troops on the front lines broadens this war. It also directly endangers European as well as global peace and security. We call on all States to stop supporting and enabling this illegal war of aggression.
President
We stress the need for full accountability for all crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine and reaffirm our support to the ongoing work of the ICC, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, and the Register of Damage. We also further reiterate our support for the establishment of a special tribunal for the prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
This Council cannot lose sight of this war and the importance of striving towards setting the conditions for negotiations to secure peace. We need to focus on achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter. We will support all efforts aimed at achieving such goals providing that Ukraine is included at all steps during this process.
We can never accept a world in which might is right and therefore once again call upon the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw all its troops from the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine.
Until that day comes, Ukraine has a right to defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
I thank you.