Statement by H.E. Mr. Dag Hartelius,
Deputy Foreign Minister of Sweden
on behalf of the Nordic countries
Resumed Eleventh Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly to take action on the draft resolution entitled “Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”
24 February, 2025

President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway - and my own country, Sweden.

Today, we mark three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A Russian war of choice; a war that Russia could end by a single order from its president. 

For three years, Ukraine has defended its people and shown remarkable resilience. During these three years - this General Assembly has, repeatedly and overwhelmingly, reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. 

President, no one feels the effects of the war more than Ukraine and its people. No one wants peace more than Ukraine. 

But it needs to be a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. A peace in accordance with international law, including the rules and principles of the UN Charter.  

Russia and other potential aggressors must not draw the conclusion that violations of international law will pass without consequences. Such conclusions would risk renewed aggression and undermine global security. 

Russia must be held to account for the crimes it has committed in and against Ukraine, including for the crime of aggression. Let us be clear: this is not a conflict between two parties. This is a war in which Russia, a permanent UN Security Council member no less, is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the victim. 

A fundamental starting point for any conflict resolution is that the injured party be part of the process. Ukraine must be involved in any negotiations. 

Likewise, Europe must be involved in decisions that affect the core of European security. 

The Nordic message is clear: respect for international law, including the UN Charter, must be ensured. UN Member States need a world order based on universally agreed rules, not the imperial ambitions of individual rulers. 

President, The Nordics were proud to co-sponsor the resolution presented by Ukraine and more than fifty other UN member states. The resolution called for de-escalation, cessation of hostilities, and set the foundation for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Thank you!
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