Ukraine is defending itself, in full compliance with the UN Charter; Russia is trampling it underfoot. [fr]

Mr. President,

I would like to thank Mr. Khiari for his briefing.

On February 24, 2022, Russia attacked Ukraine. Since, the war it triggered has brought its share of suffering to civilian populations. Yesterday’s massive strikes all over the Ukrainian territory proved it one more time.

The cost already paid by the Ukrainian people, as we have stated it in this Council on many occasions, is unbearable. But Russia must also measure the cost of this war for itself. Hadn’t Russia invaded Ukraine, in violation of the UN Charter, weren’t its troops currently present on the Ukrainian territory, hadn’t it been bombing Ukrainian towns and villages on a daily basis for months, we wouldn’t be here meeting again this afternoon..

As early as March 2022, the International Court of Justice clearly demanded that Russia’s military leave Ukrainian territory without delay.

France reiterates the need for all parties to a conflict to respect international humanitarian law. We also call on Russia to stop violating the resolutions of this Council, the ones it itself voted for, by obtaining arms supplies from Iran and North Korea.

Finally, it is hard not to notice - so crude is the artifice - that the call for today’s meeting is a way for Russia to respond to the meeting organized yesterday at Ukraine’s request. France regrets that Russia, a permanent member, continues to instrumentalize the work of the Security Council.

Ukraine is defending itself, in full compliance with the UN Charter; Russia is trampling it underfoot.

Nothing must distract us from the only urgent matter: Russia must put an end to its war of aggression.

Thank you very much./.