30 August 2024
Thank you, President, and I also thank Mr Ebo for his briefing. It is unfortunate that the Russian Federation continues to request repeated meetings on this topic, in an attempt to distract the international community with a narrative that distorts reality.
Malta continues to condemn the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine. We reiterate Ukraine’s inherent right to defend itself as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter and to rely on its allies in doing so.
Just this week, the Russian Federation continued to intensify its missile and drone attacks in a number of Ukrainian regions. These attacks included the complete destruction of a hotel in Kryvyi Rih, drone attacks in Zaporizhzhia, and a large attack with missiles and drones on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
For months, Ukraine’s electricity grid has faced repeated Russian missile and drone attacks resulting in the destruction of about half of the country’s generating capacity. The continued and intensified attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure are deeply concerning.
Malta reiterates the need to adhere to international humanitarian law. The principles of proportionality and distinction, as well as the special protections afforded to children, must be adhered to at all times in order to reduce the risk of harm to civilians.
Regrettably, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
According to OCHA, more than 14.6 million people require some form of humanitarian assistance. We take this opportunity to also thank the OCHA and other humanitarian actors who responded immediately after the massive attacks on Ukraine which were conducted this week.
Malta is equally concerned about recent reports related to the use of cluster munitions and widespread contamination with mines and explosive remnants of war. Protecting the people of Ukraine and ensuring recovery from the devastation caused by Russia’s war requires that demining happens without delay.
We stress once again the need for full accountability for all crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine. We also support the ongoing work of the ICC and the Register of Damage for Ukraine.
To conclude, President, Malta reiterates that there is only one path to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace along with an end the inflicted suffering on Ukrainians. This is for Russia to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. Until that day comes, Ukraine has the right to defend itself against this aggression as well as protect its very existence as an independent and sovereign country.
I thank you.