Mister Chairperson,  

When Russia began the full-scale war it believed, that it could dictate its will to other sovereign states, that it had the right to subjugate free people by force and that it could divide Europe into new zones of influence.

In February 2022, as in February 2014 with Crimea’s adventure in action, the execution of Russia’s genocidal plans was expected to be a matter of days.

If implemented, it would have plunged Europe into the darkest days of power competition. With all dire consequences for our common security.

Yet, three years later, with thousands of North Korean troops on the ground, it is more than clear that Russia has failed to achieve any of its goals. That is our common success.

Russians have not made any serious progress on the battlefield. We have stabilized the situation in several directions. Recently, the situation has improved in the Pokrovsk direction.  

Having lost more than 800 000 soldiers, Putin could end this war in a day and withdraw his troops from Ukraine’s territory within its internationally recognized borders.  

Instead of that, Moscow remains focused on killing and destruction.  Moscow continues to terrorize the Ukrainian civilians from the air.  Over the past week, more than 1,050 attack drones, nearly 1,300 aerial bombs, and more than 20 missiles were launched at Ukraine.

Moreover, last night a Russian ballistic missile struck a hotel in Kryvyi Rih. At least, four people have been killed and 31 others, including a child, have been injured.

Russia calls this ‘peace efforts’, but it’s just another attempt to kill Ukrainian.

Russia continues to compromise our nuclear safety by attacking facilities critical to the operation of the NPPs.  

In recent weeks, Moscow has been developing plans for further offensive, training personnel, replenishing ammunition and preparing for further assault. This means new suicidal attacks for the Russian troops, while their daily losses continue to exceed 1000 soldiers.   

Since this war is Putin’s choice, Ukraine has no choice but a duty to protect its people. So far, Ukraine is repulsing nearly 100 Russia’s attacks daily.

We do not want an endless war. But as long as Russia continues to attack and to plan new offensives, the Ukrainian people have no other choice but to defend their lives.  

And the recent statement by the Russian foreign minister that Moscow will not stop hostilities even if talks begin should be taken seriously. This means continued missile terror, drone barrage, and artillery shelling.

That's why further improving Ukraine's defence capabilities is simply about protecting human lives and giving peace a chance.   

In view of this, we are grateful to our partners for their commitment to helping Ukraine counter Russia's unprovoked war. As it was reiterated during the London summit and numerous recent bilateral contacts.  

This very assistance, coming from the United States, Canada, the UK, European countries as well as from other partners, has already saved tens hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian lives in the past. It has also helped Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. And it will continue to do so.

As President Zelenskyy stated, “the Russians have not changed their positions or demands regarding Ukraine. They will insist on reducing our army, they will seek a legal renunciation of our territories, as well as a significant political deformation of Ukraine with the weakening of the Ukrainian Constitution. But I will say that, in fact, as long as we all in Ukraine stand together and stand strong, as long as we are here, no one will succeed in this – peace will be dignified.”

So, we know what we stand for. Simply for our survival. This is why Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders matter.

And as the President of Ukraine has many times emphasized, “Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians”.

We have seen too many towns and villages razed to the ground. Each of them was someone’s home. And every day, in the streets of our cities, we can see someone reminding us of their personal sacrifice in defence of our homeland, our right to life and the principles, including those codified in the Helsinki Final Act. 

And with all necessary support this war could end faster. It will also create security guarantees to ensure that the war does not return to our homes.

That’s why, Ukraine is “ready to work quickly to end the war, and the first steps could be the release of prisoners and truce in the skies — ban on missiles, long-range drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure — and immediate truce in the sea, if Russia does the same.”   

At the same time, sustainable peace means just peace. Let me quote from the UN Inquiry commission recent statement. I quote. As the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year, “it is crucial that the international community continues its efforts to pursue accountability and justice as part of discussions on peace talks”.

The OSCE is well placed to contribute to these efforts. Our organization has already done great job in this regard. This unprovoked and illegal war of aggression has caused too much suffering to be forgotten.

We have seen too many children with broken dreams. Walking across the borders of countries that have generously given them shelter. Being forced to forget about their nationality and personal identity in Russia’s deportation. And being buried under the rubble of what was left after Russian bombs and missiles. So, all the victims of this war deserve the restoration of justice.   

Colleagues, it is time for leadership. It is time for Europe to rediscover its power. And it is the best time for the transatlantic community under the US leadership to achieve just, reliable, and lasting peace through strong and long-term security guarantees — for Ukraine, Europe, and the entire world. We cannot lose this momentum to derail aggressive plans once and forever. The decisions we take today will shape Europe's future for decades to come. And we have no right to compromise on our principles. Because it is not ours but the future of our children.

In conclusion, let me reiterate that Ukraine is committed and is ready to work on achieving a just, lasting, comprehensive peace, which will defend and promote interests of freedom-loving nations. I thank you, Mr Chairperson.