The UN Security Council addressed the situation in Ukraine on 13 January. Switzerland marked its first Ukraine meeting as a Council member to once again strongly condemn Russia's military aggression against the Ukraine. It called on Russia to cease all hostilities and to immediately withdraw its troops.
Swiss UN Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl underlined the far-reaching consequences of repeated Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including the disruption of vital facilities such as hospitals and water supply systems. The protection of civilians is one of Switzerland's priorities in the UN Security Council. " I reiterate today Switzerland's call for a halt to all attacks on civilians and persons hors de combat, on civilian property and on essential infrastructure", Baeriswyl stressed.
Efforts are needed to find peaceful, just and lasting solutions. In addition to its engagement at the diplomatic and multilateral levels, Switzerland is also working bilaterally to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country. Switzerland stated in the Council it will continue its engagement directly in Ukraine. The engagement takes the form of contributions to partner organisations, the delivery of humanitarian goods such as mobile generators or heating equipment and through supporting the reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, which were launched in Lugano in the summer of 2022.
"As members of this Council, it is our responsibility to do our utmost to ensure that this year is a year of just peace, in accordance with international law, in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world", Baeriswyl underlined in her vote.
