Ambassador Dinesen reiterates Denmark's condemnation of Russia’s decision to recognize the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk at reinforced meeting of the OSCE’s Permanent Council on 22 February 2022

Statement as delivered by the Permanent Representative of Denmark to the OSCE, Ambassador René Rosager Dinesen, at 1357th (reinforced) meeting of the OSCE’s Permanent Council on 22 February 2022

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

I fully align myself with the statement delivered by the European Union. Allow me, however, to add a few remarks in my national capacity.

We are extremely concerned by the latest developments in and around Ukraine.

Denmark strongly condemns Russia’s decision to recognize the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine and the ensuing decision to send Russian troops into these areas.

By these illegal actions, Russia further violates Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in blatant breach of both the UN Charter and the OSCE commitments, including the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter.

With this decision, Russia is also clearly violating its commitments under the Minsk agreements, which stipulate the full return of these areas to the control of the Ukrainian government.

We call on Russia, as a party to the conflict, to reverse the recognition, to deescalate, abide by international law and return to the discussion within the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group and to work for diplomatic solutions using the full toolbox of the OSCE and the efforts of the Chairpersonship, rather than use military means and unilateral actions.

Finally, I would like to reiterate Denmark’s unwavering support and commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula.

I kindly request that this statement will be attached to the journal of the day. 

Thank you, Mr. Chair.