The OSCE Permanent Council holds special meeting to discuss Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine
Statement by Denmark at the 1458th (Special) Meeting of the Permanent Council on 26 January 2024 by First Secretary, Marianne Martinez Bennedsen
Thank you, Madame Chair,
Denmark fully aligns with the statement made by the European Union, but please allow me to add the following in my national capacity.
Next month, two years will have passed since Russia launched its illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine and a decade since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. Since then, Russian aggression has destroyed the lives of countless civilians, and as we are entering a new calendar year, it continues to do so.
Recent, intensified Russian attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets has led to record numbers of civilian losses and damage to important civilian infrastructure including electricity and water supplies – this at a time when the harsh temperatures of winter leave civilians even more exposed and vulnerable.
The disregard for international law and the principles of the Helsinki Act speaks volumes. But we must continue to insist that the OSCE commitments be upheld and that those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity be held to account. And so we thank the Chairpersonship for convening this very timely Special meeting of the Permanent Council.
Russia’s war has demonstrated with tragic clarity why we need the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security. That respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law constitutes one of the foundations of the international order.
Denmark continues to condemn Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest terms possible and our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence is unwavering – as demonstrated by my foreign minister’s visit to Ukraine today. His fourth in the last year alone.
To conclude, the responsibility to halt this devastating war resides with Russia alone. Russia can and should stop the war immediately by fully and unconditionally withdrawing from all of Ukraine.
Thank you, Madame Chair.
Thank you, Madame Chair,
Denmark fully aligns with the statement made by the European Union, but please allow me to add the following in my national capacity.
Next month, two years will have passed since Russia launched its illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine and a decade since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. Since then, Russian aggression has destroyed the lives of countless civilians, and as we are entering a new calendar year, it continues to do so.
Recent, intensified Russian attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets has led to record numbers of civilian losses and damage to important civilian infrastructure including electricity and water supplies – this at a time when the harsh temperatures of winter leave civilians even more exposed and vulnerable.
The disregard for international law and the principles of the Helsinki Act speaks volumes. But we must continue to insist that the OSCE commitments be upheld and that those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity be held to account. And so we thank the Chairpersonship for convening this very timely Special meeting of the Permanent Council.
Russia’s war has demonstrated with tragic clarity why we need the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security. That respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law constitutes one of the foundations of the international order.
Denmark continues to condemn Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest terms possible and our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence is unwavering – as demonstrated by my foreign minister’s visit to Ukraine today. His fourth in the last year alone.
To conclude, the responsibility to halt this devastating war resides with Russia alone. Russia can and should stop the war immediately by fully and unconditionally withdrawing from all of Ukraine.
Thank you, Madame Chair.