1.Mr Chair, since we last met here, Russia continued its indiscriminate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure in blatant violation of international humanitarian law.

2.During the night from 13 to 14 February, a Russian drone hit the Chornobyl nuclear site. We urge Russia to stop reckless actions that pose a serious threat to nuclear safety and security, with potentially severe consequences even beyond the OSCE area.

3.During an attack on Kyiv in the morning of 12 February, a Russian’s missile killed one person and injured four others, including a 9-year old girl. Let us take this opportunity to recall that armed conflict and situations of violence impose immense suffering on children. If they survive, they are left with deep physical and psychological scars while having missed out on months or years of education, jeopardising their future opportunities. Children living in war and conflict zones, including in Ukraine, are the primary innocent victims of armed conflicts. Russia, which started its illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked war of aggression against its peaceful neighbour, Ukraine, bears the full responsibility for the consequences of its acts. We strongly condemn the killing and maiming of children through the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in populated areas, and attacks on schools and hospitals, in violation of international humanitarian law, which deprive children of their right to education and healthcare, and expose them to immense danger.

4.Previous week, EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, made one thing clear: ‘Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity are unconditional’. Ukraine deserves comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the UN Charter and international law, a peace which has to be chosen by Ukraine and its people. That is why we must put Ukraine in a position of strength.

5.We are the largest provider of assistance to Ukraine. We reaffirm our determination to continue to provide multi-faceted support to Ukraine and its people, including financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support, for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed to help Ukraine exercise its inherent right to self-defence. These efforts will also aim at strengthening the Ukrainian defence industry and supplying ammunition and air defence equipment. By supporting Ukraine, we are also safeguarding the very foundations of European peace and security.
6.Mr Chair, the EU and its Member States reiterate that Russia must immediately stop its war of aggression, put an end to unbearable suffering and devastation, and completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.
7.We condemn the repeated violation of the airspace of EU Member States and of the Republic of Moldova, the latest of which occurred on 13 and 16 February, as consequences of brutal Russian attacks against Ukraine. The Russian drones violating the airspace of Romania had explosive charges on board. One of the Russian drones breaching the airspace of the Republic of Moldova exploded on its territory. We underscore that these acts are unacceptable, destabilising, irresponsible and carry the risk of escalation. We urge Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to stop its blatant violations of international law.
8.We strongly condemn the continued support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine provided by third countries. Russia’s war of aggression, supported by Belarus, is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and the OSCE core principles and commitments.

Thank you.
Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.