Statement by Ambassador Barbara Žvokelj, Secretary-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia at the Briefing on Maintenance of International Peace and Security of Ukraine

Thank you very much Mr. President and again, good afternoon to everyone.

I would also like to thank USG DiCarlo and ASG Msuya for their comprehensive briefings.

Mr. President,

From the onset of this war, Slovenia was pushing for peace. Peace between Ukraine and Russia. Peace in Europe. And not just any kind of peace, but a just and lasting peace, firmly anchored in the UN Charter and its principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

There can be no winner in wars like this one. And no loser. There are only victims. And we cannot afford international law becoming one.

After years of fighting, destruction and suffering, there is finally an opportunity to make peace. We remain hopeful that the US initiative will produce results.

If we want lasting peace in Europe, reaching a full and unconditional ceasefire needs to follow through as soon as possible. Ukraine has agreed to it weeks ago, and I call on Russia to follow suit.

Moreover, Slovenia would like to caution against unilateral action with regard to a ceasefire in Ukraine, as it serves little else than removing us further away from a comprehensive end to the war. While Slovenia welcomes any pause in fighting that gives relief to civilians, like the one announced for early May, I underline a very simple fact: there will be no progress without both parties playing their part.

There was little clarity about the terms of the moratorium on energy infrastructure strikes or the Easter ceasefire, with numerous claims about violations by both sides. This indicates that we need a verifiable, comprehensive and lasting ceasefire that will pave the way to negotiations on enduring peace in Ukraine.

Mr. President,

Ceasefire might be the necessary first step towards peace, but in itself, it is not enough. We are witnessing a surge in civilian casualties. Russian missiles and drones have been hitting residential areas, causing death and destruction in Kryvyi Rih, Sumy, Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

While we push for peace in this chamber, throughout Ukraine civilians are being buried under rubble, schools are being levelled to the ground and physical integrity of nuclear facilities is being threatened. While we discuss drone attacks, grave violations of international law remain unpunished and Ukrainian children remain displaced and deported.

If we want peace to last, all perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity must be held accountable. On a related note, Slovenia hopes that peace negotiations will comprehensively address the question of returning prisoners of war and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children to their homes.

Mr. President,

The pursuit of just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in the Council and elsewhere, remains a priority for Slovenia. Ukraine is not hesitating when it comes to peace, and this Council shouldn’t either.

I thank you.

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