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Statement on the outlook for peace in Ukraine

Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the briefing on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine

Thank you very much Mr. President,

I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing.

Mr. President,

All wars come to an end. And after almost three years of Russian aggression, it is beyond high time for this Council to reflect about how the outlook for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine can be found.

In recent months, we have not seen any signs that the intensity of fighting would be fading, to the contrary. What is more, the war has been constantly gaining in complexity.

We are perplexed about the  DPRK’s involvement in the war and the reports of exceptionally high casualties among their soldiers. The DPRK’s involvement poses a threat to international security and infringes upon multiple Security Council resolutions.

At the same time, the war continues to exact a high toll on civilian lives. Just last week, Russia’s attack on the city of Zaporizhizhia caused the highest number of civilian casualties in a single incident in two years, with over a 100 dead or injured. Russia also continues with its unabated attacks against Ukrainian civilian energy infrastructure. Yesterday alone, it fired over 100 missiles and drones, putting additional strain on energy supply in the midst of winter.

Moreover, the danger of a nuclear accident continues to loom.

Mr. President,

Let me emphasize that any peace ends by infringing upon the UN Charter, and any peace begins by upholding it.

This central document faced countless challenges in the past 80 years, yet it always prevailed. Based on the experience of the Second World War, it provides building blocks to address contemporary challenges to international peace and security. 

Without respecting fundamental principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, there cannot be a lasting peace. Not in Ukraine, nor anywhere else.

There will also be no peace if accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity is not ensured. The activities of the International Criminal Court are central to this. Slovenia also underlines the importance of the International Court of Justice, whose rulings on provisional measures with regard to the war in Ukraine, Russia still has to implement.

Mr. President,

We have a responsibility to identify avenues that will produce a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The country and the wider region desperately need it. For every day and week that diplomacy is postponed, drones are maiming civilians and ballistic missiles are destroying critical civilian infrastructure across Ukraine.

Make no mistake, Slovenia will continue to support Ukraine in its defence against aggression. Just as we will actively support all meaningful efforts towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. In the Council and elsewhere.

Thank you Mr. President.

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