Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, chaired a discussion on the situation in Ukraine in her capacity as President of the Security Council, in which she warned: “We must not forget Ukraine and abandon the people who have been suffering from war for almost four years.” She added that Slovenia, as co-sponsor of the Ukraine dossier, has been making a special effort to achieve peace throughout its UNSC mandate.

It will soon be four years since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. Almost four years since it started an open war of aggression against its sovereign and significantly smaller neighbour. Four years of open and repeated violation of international law. Four years of devastation, of shattered lives and dreams, and lost livelihoods. Four years of destruction of schools, hospitals and homes. When will this end? What kind of message is the Council, the most important international body responsible for global peace and security, sending if we continue to silently watch superpowers attack smaller countries with no repercussions?” began Minister Fajon in her address.

She recalled that Slovenia took over the Ukraine dossier two years ago with a special sense of responsibility: “Slovenia has never been a passive or silent observer of events. Slovenia has repeatedly presented various initiatives to achieve peace, but since the beginning of the war, the Russian Federation has used its veto to prevent the Security Council from takin action in this respect.”

According to Minister Fajon, the case of Ukraine clearly demonstrates the urgent need for reform of the UN Security Council. Slovenia is striving to ensure better representation and improved effectiveness, transparency and accountability in the work of this key body. The reform, which has been on the agenda since 1993, covers five areas: membership categories, the veto issue, regional representation, the size and working methods of the UNSC, and its relationship with the General Assembly.

In her conclusion, Foreign Minister expressed Slovenia’s continued strong support for Ukraine and called for a complete and unconditional ceasefire: “Fourteen members of this Council keep demanding it. Ukraine has agreed to it months ago. We reiterate our call on Russia to do the same. Only with an end to the fighting, meaningful peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine can take place. Only then, can a just peace be achieved, firmly rooted in the principles of the UN Charter and acceptable to Ukraine itself.”

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