EU Statement – UN Security Council: Ukraine

EU Statement - UN Security Council: Ukraine

24 February 2026, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union by H.E. Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council: Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine

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President,

Thank you to the UK Presidency for convening this meeting and to the briefers for their updates.

On this tragic anniversary, our thoughts go out to the countless Ukrainians who have been subjected to unspeakable suffering, and to the thousands killed, during the past four years. The resilience of the Ukrainian people as they defend their country from brutal violence and stand up for the rules and principles of the UN Charter serves as an inspiration to us all.

Exactly one year ago, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on the need for a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter and the Security Council adopted resolution 2774 'Path to Peace' which implored a swift end to the conflict and urged a lasting peace. Russia voted in favour of that resolution. But in the year since, it has on the contrary, massively escalated its attacks.

Here are the facts: In the midst of a freezing winter, Russia has cynically and systematically intensified its targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, deliberately also targeting civilians. In 2025, Russia launched over 54,000 long-range drones and over 1,900 missiles against Ukraine. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, civilian casualties in 2025 were 31% higher than in 2024 and 70% higher than in 2023. According to UNICEF, there was a 10% increase in child casualties in 2025. Almost all civilian casualties (97%), verified by the UN, occurred in Ukrainian controlled territories from attacks launched by the Russian army.

These are not the actions of a country interested in ending its war of aggression. Intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects is a war crime, and its perpetrators must be held fully accountable.

The civilian population in Ukraine, including children, is paying the highest of price. Let me recall that the General Assembly clearly confirmed last December the need to redouble efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children who have been deported and forcibly transferred by Russia, and we look forward to an update on the UN Secretary General's efforts to that end.

President, colleagues,

The situation is simple, yet very critical: Ukraine is ready for serious negotiations and compromises, as illustrated by their readiness to agree to an immediate ceasefire, de facto freezing the current positions on the battlefield, but Russia has not moved from its maximalist claims.

Our efforts continue to focus on achieving an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with international law and the UN Charter, [and as confirmed by the GA resolution adopted this morning]. The EU will sustain its diplomatic efforts with Ukraine, together with the United States and other partners. We urge Russia to end its aggression and call on all members of this Council to join us in this message to Moscow to engage in meaningful negotiations. To have peace, Russia must be made to realize that its strategy of pretending to negotiate while extending its aggression will no longer be tolerated.

Third countries that enable Russia's aggression must stop doing so too. We condemn the continued military support provided by Iran, Belarus, and the DPRK, and urge all countries, including all members of this Council, to immediately cease any direct or indirect assistance to Russia.

President,

To conclude, let me reiterate that borders cannot be changed by force - not in Ukraine, not anywhere. Any future agreement must respect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and guarantee Ukraine's independence, long-term security, and ability to defend itself.

No one wants and needs peace in Ukraine more than the Ukrainians. No one has a larger stake in European security than the Europeans. It is time for Russia to stop the killing and leave Ukraine's territory which they illegally occupy.

Today more than ever, action by this Council is needed to end a devastating war that has lasted for too long.