The OSCE Permanent Council holds special meeting to mark Ukraine’s independence day and 1,5 years of Russia’s war against Ukraine

On 24. August 2023, the OSCE’s Permanent Council held a special meeting to mark Ukraine’s independence day and discuss the 1,5 years of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Read the Danish statement below, as delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative, Kristine Hauge Bjergstrøm

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

Denmark fully aligns with the statement made by the European Union, but please allow me to add the following in my national capacity.

It is heartbreaking that we are no longer counting days or even months. We are now counting in years. One and a half year of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. One and a half year of witnessing Russia’s complete lack of respect for our shared principles, and its utter disregard for our common humanity. Those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity must be held to account.

Russia’s war has demonstrated with tragic clarity why we need the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security. If we were ever in doubt, it shows us why the 1991 Moscow Document states, that respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law constitutes one of the foundations of the international order. 

When President Zelenskyy visited Denmark earlier this week, he said that we have to work together to put pressure on Russia in order to: “ensure the necessary protection for all the basic values that life in Europe is built on and that have now been completely trampled by Russia in Ukraine.”.

Mr. Chair,

Russia must end this war by immediately, completely and unconditionally withdrawing from the entire territory of Ukraine. 

In the meantime, we will continue to support Ukraine in every way we can. In meeting the humanitarian needs of the Ukrainian people, by supporting the re-construction of Ukraine. And by providing Ukraine with military capabilities to deter Russia’s aggression, including F16 fighter jets, which we expect will add significantly to Ukraine’s long term security. 

Denmark’s very strong commitment to Ukraine stems from a recognition that European and global security depends on the restoration of the rules-based or-der and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN Charter and the OSCE acquis.
We stand with Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr. chair.