Ukraine's Situation and Global Response

Uh, ladies and gentlemen, uh, I have the honor to deliver this

statement on behalf of Ukraine, the European Union, Albania,

Andorra, uh, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, uh, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia,

Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia,

Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,

Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, Malta, Morocco, Monaco, Montenegro,

Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama,

Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Republic of

Moldova, uh, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia,

Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

As the Security Council meets, uh, to discuss the situation in

Ukraine, we reaffirm our shared commitment to the

principles of

the UN Charter and peace. We stand in

solidarity with Ukraine as it continues to face Russia's war of

aggression. We c-recall that the UN

Charter upholds the sovereignty, independence, and territorial

integrity of all states, and the inherent right

of self-defense.

After four years, six months, and thirty days of full-scale war,

the human cost continues to grow. We are deeply concerned by

Russia's escalation against civilians and civilian infrastructure

across Ukraine, causing record high number of casualties

in the last

months, as recorded by the UN. We call for full

respect for the international humanitarian law, accountability,

and the protection of civilians. We are particularly concerned by

the attacks in the Balt-- uh, Black Sea.

Russia is trying to choke off Ukrainian grain exports, thus

jeopardizing global food security.

We therefore support efforts towards an arrangement in the Black Sea to

safeguard freedom of navigation and call for the protection of

commercial shipping and critical infrastructure.