1518th Special meeting of the Permanent Council. National Statement by Denmark.

Thank you Chair,

Let me first join others in offering our condolences on the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

Denmark fully aligns with the statement previously delivered by Poland on behalf of 26 EU member states. Allow me to add the following remarks in national capacity.

Russia continues its brutal attacks on civilians. We are deeply horrified by Russia’s deadly drone attack yesterday on civilians on their way to work in a bus in Marhanets. And by Russia’s missile attack on civilians gathered on Palm Sunday in Sumy, which was even more deadly than the one in Kryvi Rih ten days earlier. And just last night, nine people were killed in a missile attack on Kyiv.

We offer our deep condolences to the Ukrainian people once again, and condemn these and other such despicable acts by Russia. We recall that attacks against civilians and civilian infra-structure are a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law.

As stated by the Danish Prime Minister in response to the attack in Sumy: “Putin shows Russia’s true face. No one can be in doubt about who is the attacker and who is the victim in this war. Ukraine has supported the US ceasefire negotiations. It should be very clear by now that Russia wants war, not peace”

Russia could end this war today if it stopped attacking Ukraine. By holding on to its maximalistic demands, Russia clearly chooses war over peace. Ukraine has showed its desire for peace by accepting a complete 30-day ceasefire. We encourage Russia to show the same willingness to work towards peace.

Meanwhile, Denmark continues to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the principles of the UN Charter. And to deter Russia from fu-ture aggression.

Thank you chair.