20 June 2025
Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President,
Let me also thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča and OCHA Director Wosornu for their briefings.
Madam President, we convene today because Ukraine has endured another three weeks of death, destruction and misery under a relentless Russian blitz of drones, missiles and bombs.
After tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties in this illegal aggression, it becomes ever harder to single out an individual attack. Nevertheless, the air attacks overnight on 17 June were especially savage.
As we have heard, that night a reported 440 drones and 30 missiles were fired at Ukraine’s cities. Kyiv bore the brunt. At least 24 civilians were killed and 134 injured. And last night Odesa was once again hit by Russian drones, with reports of at least 1 civilian killed and 14 injured. As we speak, rescuers continue to search the rubble for survivors.
These direct hits by drones and cruise missiles on high-rise residential blocks, further undermine Russia’s claim that its armed forces only attack military targets.
We convey our condolences to the people of Ukraine. A country once again in mourning to remember the latest civilians killed in this illegal war of aggression.
Russia’s air attacks came as G7 leaders were gathered in Canada to discuss the war, with repeated calls for Russia to accept Ukraine’s offer of an immediate, unconditional and complete 30-day ceasefire.
It has long been clear: while Ukraine is ready for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and substantial peace talks, Russia plays for time and continues its senseless war with undiminished ferocity.
Madam President,
Actions speak louder than words.
Over the last three weeks Russia has chosen to act in the most cynical way. Both in pursuing its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in violation of the UN Charter but also here in the Security Council.
From convening history-distorting Arria-formula meetings, to proposing multiple Council products in bad faith. These are nothing more than attempts aimed once again to distract the Council from a simple truth. That Russia is continuing its illegal war of aggression against a peaceful neighbouring country.
Madam President,
Ukraine has repeatedly offered an immediate, unconditional and complete 30-day ceasefire. We call on Russia to accept this offer, and to do so now.
Denmark will continue to stand with Ukraine, for as long as it takes, as it fights to achieve a just, sustainable and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.
I thank you.