Mr Chairperson,

Since the very beginning of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the Kremlin has consistently sought to undermine the unity of the international community in its resolute response to the aggression.

Recent high-level international meetings have, however, once again demonstrated that this strategy has failed. The G7 Summit in Evian, the NATO Summit in Ankara, and, most recently, the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris all reaffirmed the international community's steadfast support for Ukraine, and its unequivocal rejection of Moscow's imperial ambitions.

In particular, as emphasised in the statement by the Coalition of the Willing's co-chairs, all its 40 member states remain firmly committed to achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, in accordance with international law, while safeguarding Ukraine's security and the shared security interests of all partners.

This broad and growing coalition sends a clear message: despite Russia's persistent attempts to evade responsibility and portray itself as the victim, the international community remains unequivocal in its assessment. It is Russia, and its war of aggression against Ukraine, that constitute one of the gravest threats to international peace and security, as well as to the rules-based international order.

And it is not only about political messages but about practical steps. One of the meeting's most significant outcomes was the establishment of the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition. This marked an important step towards countering one of Russia's principal instruments of terror – its ballistic missile capabilities.

Ukraine deeply values the solidarity and support demonstrated by its international partners, and remains committed to strengthening this cooperation. While Ukraine continues to face unprecedented security challenges and relies on sustained international assistance, it also stands ready to contribute to the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic community.

Mr Chairperson,

Ukraine remains fully committed to the politico-diplomatic path towards ending this war. As Ukraine's leadership has repeatedly stated, we are ready to implement a ceasefire along the line of contact and to engage constructively in meaningful negotiations based on international law.

Yet the Kremlin's response to every peace initiative remains the same: unrestricted terror against the civilian population.

Over the past week alone, Kyiv, Sumy, Odesa, Kherson, and numerous other towns and cities across Ukraine have once again come under Russian attack.

Just yesterday, Russian strikes killed at least three civilians in Sumy and three more in Odesa, while injuring many others there and across the country. Guided aerial bombs, missiles, and drones struck residential neighbourhoods, civilian infrastructure, and places where people were simply going about their daily lives.

As a result of such actions, the human cost continues to rise at an alarming rate.

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has verified that, just during the first six months of this year, 1,396 civilians were killed and 7,978 injured. This represents a 37 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025, and a 114 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

As the Mission’s report states, "Civilian casualties in Ukraine have risen steadily from month to month and from year to year, amid the intensifying use of powerful weapons, in a disturbing escalation."

A similarly alarming conclusion is also reached by the Ninth Interim Report of the ODIHR on reported violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Ukraine, issued yesterday. The document confirms that during the period from 1 December 2025 to 31 May 2026, verified civilian casualties in government-controlled areas of Ukraine increased by 45 per cent compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

This appalling trend must neither be normalised nor accepted. It requires a strong and coordinated response. Tougher economic and financial sanctions to limit the aggressor's ability to fund its war. Strengthening export controls so its military cannot obtain the critical technologies and components it needs. And expanding personal sanctions against those who support, enable, or promote the war in any way.

As Minister Sybiha stated following Russia's most recent attack on Ukraine: "Russia has a predictable habit: whenever the world gathers to discuss peace for Ukraine, Moscow answers with more terror against civilians. Every such attack should have only one consequence: stronger sanctions, stronger defence packages, and stronger support for Ukraine. Terror must never dictate Europe's agenda. Strength, unity, and resolve must."

Thank you, Mr Chairperson.