Nordic Statement at the UN Security Council, 10191st meeting, Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine
Read the Nordic Statement delivered by H.E. Ms. Elina Kalkku, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council, 10191st meeting, Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine on 9 July 2026.
President,
I have the honor to address the Council on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.
Once again, this Council meets as Russia continues to intensify its aerial campaign against Ukraine. Many of us believed certain limits remained – also in war. This does not seem to be the case during the Russian brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.
We continue to witness increasingly deadly and destructive strikes clearly directed against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings. In the first week of July alone, dozens of civilians were killed and hundreds injured across Ukraine. 60 people lost their lives in Kyiv alone.
We are deeply alarmed by the growing number of attacks on humanitarian operations and humanitarian workers, also protected under international humanitarian law. A week ago, a World Food Programme vehicle transporting WFP staff was again directly struck by a Russian drone. This marks a third major attack in two months, directly affecting WFP. Just a week ago, a Ukrainian Red Cross warehouse serving as one of the key humanitarian logistic hubs, was completely destroyed in a massive Russian attack on Kyiv.
The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of Ukraine's and the world’s most treasured religious and cultural sites, and a place of profound spiritual significance for the Orthodox faith, has not been spared from Russia’s aerial attacks.
We reiterate our demand that Russia fully comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law. Civilians, and civilian objects, must be protected at all times. Humanitarian personnel and relief objects must be respected and protected.
President,
Alarmingly, Russian attacks have been accompanied with threats, also in this room. Russian officials have openly threatened civilians, diplomats, and the staff of international organizations operating in Ukraine. The Nordic countries strongly condemn these actions. Russia does not determine diplomatic presence or the work of international organizations in Ukraine.
President,
Ukraine has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and direct talks between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia. The Nordic countries urge Russia to answer this call. A ceasefire must be the first step towards a just, lasting, and sustainable peace grounded in international law, including the UN Charter.
President,
The Nordic countries remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine and its people. Ukraine has the right to defend itself in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, and to determine its own future.
I thank you.