All 27 EU ambassadors condemn Russia's war in Ukraine in joint statement and call on Russia to withdraw its troops

The statement was made public by the EU representative to the UN, Olof Skoog.

"By organizing this debate Russia is trying to portray itself as a defender of the UN Charter and multilateralism. Nothing can be further from the truth. It is cynical. We all know that while Russia is destroying, we are building. While they violate, we protect. The UN Charter, the UN General Assembly, the ICJ, the ICC – everywhere you look Russia is in contempt," the statement said.

The EU ambassadors reiterated the demand for Russia to withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine.

"If Russia cares about effective multilateralism, that is the first way to prove it.," the diplomats emphasized.

Skoog noted that the international community must remain committed to holding Russia accountable for its crimes. He also reminded that the consequences of the aggression against Ukraine are felt all over the world.

"The Ukrainian people have paid the heaviest price, but the damaging impacts of Russia’s aggression are felt across the world. In close dialogue with our partners, the EU has stepped up to address the global consequences of Russia’s war. I want to stress that every effort in support of Ukraine has come in addition to, and not instead of, our global commitments," the diplomat said.

Skoog said that Russia "misinterprets upholding the rules-based order" as meaning respect for international law and the UN Charter and ensuring that these rules apply to everyone. 

• Russia's presidency of the UN Security Council began on April 1, 2023 and will last until the end of the month. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Russia's presidency of the UN Security Council is a cruel joke. The White House said that Russia has no place there, but there is currently no legal way to deprive the aggressor of permanent membership.