Mr. Chairperson,

I would like to deliver a statement on the subject of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

 Over last week (15 - 21 June), the Russians have launched about 2 200 attack drones, more than 1 800 guided aerial bombs, and 87 missiles of various types against Ukraine.

As a result of these strikes, at least 17 people were killed and more than 80 were injured.

Russia continues to use missiles and drones not only to destroy infrastructure, but also to intimidate society, undermine resilience and impose fear as an instrument of war.

Distinguished colleagues,

Russia’s attacks are also directed against Ukraine’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The recent damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ukraine`s most significant spiritual and cultural landmarks — once again demonstrated Russia’s disregard not only for human life, but also for cultural heritage of universal value.

Ukraine appreciates the clear condemnation of Russian terror and the destruction of cultural heritage by the European Union, the leadership of the Council of Europe and PACE, the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as by representatives of the Governments of Australia, the United Kingdom, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Moldova, Canada and other countries.

Since 2022, Russia has destroyed at least 336 religious sites in Ukraine – including Christian churches, mosques and synagogues – and damaged nearly 50 museums. Among them are the museums of Chornobyl in Kyiv, Hryhorii Skovoroda in the Kharkiv region, Maria Prymachenko in the Kyiv region, and Arkhip Kuindzhi in Mariupol.

This is not collateral damage. This is a deliberate attempt to erase Ukraine’s identity, memory and cultural presence.

These are not acts of war – they are acts of barbarism.

Mr. Chairperson,

Ukraine continues to strengthen its defence and work with partners to protect civilians from Russian aerial terror. In this context, Ukraine has initiated the creation of a European anti-ballistic coalition and stands ready to work together with partners to ensure Europe’s strategic autonomy in defence against ballistic missiles.

Air defence is not only a military matter. It is a matter of protecting lives, cities, hospitals, schools, energy infrastructure and cultural heritage. Every additional air defence system means saved lives.

We are grateful to our partners for decisions aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s air defence. These are practical steps that directly contribute to the security of Europe.

Distinguished colleagues,

On 16 June, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the session “Building Peace and Security for Ukraine and for Europe” at the G7 Summit. The G7 participants positively assessed Ukraine’s peace initiatives and condemned Russia’s escalation, including strikes against civilian objects and cultural heritage. Ukraine also highly appreciates Switzerland’s initiative to assist in the restoration of the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, damaged by a Russian strike.

On 18 June, President Zelenskyy also took part in the European Council Summit in Brussels. Ukraine’s presence at these high-level formats demonstrates the strategic importance of our country for European security and confirms continued progress on Ukraine’s European integration path.

At the same time, diplomacy must be backed by pressure on the aggressor. Ukraine counts on the swift adoption of the 21st package of EU sanctions, as well as on the introduction of an entry ban to the European Union for participants in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including foreign mercenaries.

Russia must understand that every missile strike, every drone attack, every destroyed church, museum, school or residential building will carry consequences.

Russia started this war. Russia continues this war. And Russia should stop it.

Until then, Ukraine will continue to defend its people, its sovereignty, its cultural heritage and the principles on which European security is based.

Mr. Chairperson,

Recent signals from Ukrainian leadership highlight how Russia is systematically dragging Belarus deeper into its criminal war against Ukraine. Moscow is not only using Belarusian territory as a launchpad and logistical hub but is actively creating pretexts to pull Minsk further into direct involvement – including through cynical provocations like the recent shelling of a bus carrying Belarusian children in Russia’s Bryansk region.

Ukraine resolutely denies any involvement in this incident. The Security Service of Ukraine has published an intercepted Russian internal document confirming that no Ukrainian drones were operating in the area at the time. As President Zelenskyy has stated, international experts have reached the same conclusion: this was a Russian-orchestrated provocation designed to stoke anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Belarus and justify dragging the Belarusian people and state into the war.

At the same time, Belarus continues to deepen its complicity. Relay transmitters and signalling equipment have been installed and are operating on Belarusian territory near the Ukrainian border. These systems are actively used to guide deadly Russian drone and missile strikes against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure. Belarus is also implementing mobilization-related measures – including selective mobilization of units, combat readiness inspections, and decrees to bolster military reserves – while providing logistical, territorial, and other forms of support to the aggressor.

Ukraine has seen this pattern before. In 2021 and early 2022, similar military preparations on Belarusian soil preceded Russia’s use of that territory as a launchpad for the full-scale invasion. That is why we place no trust in hollow assurances from Minsk and treat these developments with the utmost seriousness.

We demand that the Lukashenko regime immediately cease all forms of support for the aggressor, dismantle the relay transmitters and signalling equipment used against Ukraine, and halt its dangerous militarization. Continued complicity in Russia’s war – and falling for Moscow’s provocations aimed at sacrificing Belarusian lives and sovereignty – will carry serious consequences for Belarus.

Ukraine has no desire to expand the conflict to Belarusian territory or target Belarusian civilians. However, we will continue to defend ourselves and take all necessary measures to protect our people and territory from threats originating from or facilitated by Belarus. The Belarusian people deserve leaders who prioritize their security and sovereignty over subservience to Putin’s imperial ambitions.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.