Statement by First Secretary of Slovenia to the United Nations Gregor Jenko at the Arria-formula meeting on “Understanding and Resolving the Ideological Roots of the Ukrainian Crisis”, organized by the Russian Federation

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.

We thank the briefers for their statements which, to us, underscore a fundamental truth: war must be avoided at all costs.

The Russian Federation’s aggression against its neighbour should never have occurred and it must end immediately.

Allow me to highlight a few key points on behalf of my delegation:

First, Slovenia takes all allegations of Nazism with the utmost seriousness. We unequivocally reject Nazism in any shape or form, and consistently condemn it.

Second, we firmly oppose nationalist ideologies that manifest in annexation, territorial expansion, and occupation. We recognize that all these actions, committed by the Russian Federation in the case that was brought before us today, constitute clear violations of international law.

Third, Slovenia remains a staunch advocate of the rule of law, both at the national and international levels.

We believe that when a State bases its actions on such serious accusations against another State, the legitimacy and legal grounding of these claims must be judicially determined. Independent courts should adjudicate these matters, ensuring justice is served fairly and impartially.

Mr. Chairperson,

We strongly reject the notion that there can be a legitimate justification for invading a neighbouring country. Russian invasion of Ukraine needs to be understood in legally defined terms as an act of aggression. An act that violates international law.

Such actions undermine the international law-based order and erode trust in multilateral institutions.

The Russian Federation must withdraw from Ukraine. And it is through international courts – not unilateral action – that accountability for violations of international law must be pursued.

I thank you Mr. Chairperson.

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