Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC meeting on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine

Thank you President.

ASG Jenča, thank you very much for your insight and the contribution to this discussion.

Mr. President,

Yesterday, Russia launched its second-largest air assault since the start of the war. 620 drones and missiles were launched against Ukraine, the majority of them were directed at the country’s capital. The attack on the city caused over 60 civilian casualties. Among them are at least 23 dead, including four children. Several multi-storey residential buildings were destroyed. Shock waves from one of them damaged the nearby premises of the Delegation of the European Union and the British Council.

These are not military targets. Aerial attacks in massive waves on densely populated urban areas with explosive weaponry have no justification. They cannot be explained away by claims of pursuing military goals.

Months of intensified attacks against civilians and civilian objects demonstrate a clear escalation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. They took place while peace in Ukraine is being discussed. Slovenia reiterates its condemnation of these attacks, including the most recent one. They are a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and they must not go unpunished.

Mr. President,

It was encouraging for Slovenia to hear both sides committing to peace this year. Numerous times. However, hopes for peace are being contradicted by actions on the ground.

2025 is rapidly becoming the deadliest year of this war. In comparison to last year, civilian casualties in Ukraine have increased by almost 50 per cent. As we just heard, this July set a new monthly record for civilian casualties since May of 2022.

Throughout the year, Russia responded to offers of peace with drones and missiles – like the latest overnight attack, which came in the midst of Ukraine’s efforts to secure a summit meeting between both presidents.

We are however stumbling on our path to peace. After months of engagement, tangible results are lacking. We need to refocus our discussions on stopping the bloodshed. We need an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

Slovenia stands ready to work towards a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. All nations have the right to shape their own future and all people deserve to enjoy peace, dignity and freedom. It is time we empower Ukrainians to do just that.

I thank you.

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