Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at the General Assembly debate on the Situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine

Mr. President,

This organization resolved 80 years ago that all its members should refrain from the use of force against the territorial integrity of other states.

However, for more than a decade, we have been witnessing an unfolding of a blatant violation of the Charter’s core principles. Starting in 2014, with Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, and continuing in 2022, with Russia’s large-scale military aggression against Ukraine. For more than a decade, we have been watching how the core principles of international relations are being trampled in front of our eyes.

Moreover, the citizens of occupied territories continue to suffer extensive violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed by the Russian Federation. Slovenia condemns the acts of torture, summary executions, sexual-based violence and abduction of Ukrainian children. Some of these amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Ukrainian citizens have the right to enjoy peace, dignity and freedom. But there cannot be a just and lasting peace without respect for international law, including the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Changing internationally recognized borders by force is unacceptable.

Mr. President,

Slovenia has advocated for a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter since the very start of the war. We hear both sides commit to peace. What we see on the ground however, is Russia’s intensification of attacks across Ukraine. Targeting civilians, residential buildings, schools and hospitals. What we see, are new records in the scale of overnight aerial attacks in urban areas, and higher and higher numbers of civilian casualties.

What we are deeply concerned to see, is that the war in Ukraine is becoming even deadlier than when it has started.

Slovenia condemns the escalation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The daily attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and must not go unpunished. What is more, these actions are undermining the ongoing peace efforts.

Mr. President,

Swarming densely populated urban areas with missiles and drones while listing ultimatums does not amount to peace talks. Ukraine has shown its commitment to engage in peace negotiations, accepting the proposal for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. We need to see real commitment from Russia as well. The bloodshed needs to stop. We need a leaders’ summit. We need a ceasefire. And we need it now.

I thank you.

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