Statement by H.E. Ms. Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, at the UNSC meeting on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine

First, I thank the briefers for the valuable information they provided and for setting the tone to this discussion.

Dear Council members,

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 neighbor. 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.

These are not just mere words, but the harsh realities created by Russia’s war.

A month ago, I was on a field trip to several regions in Ukraine. I have seen the horrors first hand. I witnessed a generation of young people whose lives will be forever marked by this invasion. I have seen children being raised in an environment where shelters and air-raid alarms are parts of daily life.

Yet, in spite of the on-going war, they continue to demonstrate resilience that deserves recognition and support. But more than that, they deserve to live in peace.

Dear delegates,

This is not the first time the Security Council has found itself facing a protracted conflict. However, we cannot live and allow the value of human lives to decrease with each anniversary of this war.

We object to Russia’s escalation of the war, while peace talks are underway, Russia continues to escalate its war.

Swarms of drones are growing larger, ballistic missiles are flying farther and farther away from the frontline and we have even seen airspaces of other countries violated.

On the receiving end of all this are civilians – violence against them is visibly on the rise. In 2025, the number of civilian casualties rose for more than a quarter compared to last year.  And as winter is setting in, the weakest parts of society continue to bear the brunt of the war.

Civilians are in dire need of an end to hostilities. And it is our responsibility to respond to a dire situation on the ground. We have reliable data provided to us by the briefers. We have trustworthy information from the UN presence in the country.

As Council members we must speak against blatant violations of international humanitarian law. Speak against abductions and forcible transfers of children. Condemn territorial conquest. And denounce the erosion of the foundations of this very Organization.

Ambassadors,

This war needs to end. As a first step, both sides should urgently agree to a full 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, a just peace can be achieved. A peace firmly rooted in the principles of the UN Charter. A lasting peace for Ukraine, shaped by Ukraine. Until then, Slovenia will continue to stand by Ukraine.

And it will keep calling for peace and demanding respect for international law across the board, by everyone, everywhere, all the time.

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