Statement by Dr Robert Golob, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, at the high-level briefing on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the Prime Minister of Slovenia.

I wish to thank the Secretary-General for his insightful thoughts. I welcome the participation of President Zelensky at this meeting and I also appreciate the participation of other countries at this discussion.

Excellencies,

The European countries are united in condemnation of this aggression, which violates every possible principle and law, including the UN Charter. My colleagues will elaborate more on this.

I am genuinely frustrated that I sit here in front of you at this Council together with the most powerful countries of the world with the sole responsibility to ensure peace and security across the globe, and yet we are unable to do anything about the most extensive conventional war the world has seen in decades. That we are powerless in bringing peace to the citizens in Ukraine.

It is a good opportunity to accept some sobering truths and acknowledge that this Council has failed the people of Ukraine. But please, allow me to share the slightly different light on the Ukrainian case. Even in this dire situation, while Ukrainian civilian casualties are on the rise, while critical civilian infrastructure is collapsing and while battlefields keep expanding, Ukraine has not failed the international community. Far from it. Even in the darkest moments of this ongoing aggression, Ukraine remained an active member of the United Nations who stood in solidarity with other countries.

I can personally attest to this. One year ago, Slovenia experienced unprecedented floods of catastrophic dimensions. Rivers were overflowing, family houses were buried underneath heaps of earth and people were drowning. It was a catastrophe of proportions never seen before in my country. And during all of this, Ukraine displayed a gesture Slovenians will never forget. During the war, while missiles and drones were hitting Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, Ukraine sent a whole convoy of aid and over 50 members of its national emergency team to help deal with the aftermath of the floods in our country. Usually we would all say that we stand with Ukraine, but when it really mattered to us, Slovenians, it was Ukraine who stood with Slovenia.

While Ukrainian ports and ships are under constant barrage and while the Ukrainian civilian population is suffering, Ukraine has done its utmost to practice solidarity with the rest of the world. With its Grain from Ukraine initiative, it has ensured the flow of tens of thousands of tonnes of grain to those who need it most. Even in the midst of existential war, Ukraine stands with the international community and Member States when they need it.

For Slovenia, the case is clear: With this war, a lot is at stake. If Russia wins this war, than trampling of international humanitarian law and gross violations of the Charter will win as well.

If Putin prevails, not only Europe but whole of the world will become less safe and less stable. The United Nations were created to prevent bigger countries from imposing their will on their neighbours. We should not allow its members to violate rules and the UN Charter with impunity just because they believe they can. If unchallenged, each one of us will pay the price. 

This is not a world that Slovenia wants to be part of. We will do everything in our power to prevent this from becoming a new normal and preserve the integrity of the Charter and international law. Not just in Ukraine, but also in Palestine and the rest of the Middle East.

Dear Colleagues,

The process of restoring European security and healing the rifts in international relations can begin only when peace in Ukraine is achieved. Until then we will keep pressing for peace. Only a just peace will give generations of Ukrainians a brighter future and only a lasting peace will allow them to grow and flourish. Such peace cannot come at the expense of fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including the respect for territorial integrity. This vision is worth believing in and acting towards it. Slovenia will continue to stand by Ukraine until they achieve this vision of just peace. And I know Ukraine will stand with us if and when we need it.

I resume my function as the President of the Council.

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