Ambassador Holland says Russia's approach to the Easter ceasefire
demonstrates its contempt for peace, highlighting thousands of
ceasefire violations and attempts to distort the narrative.
Ukraine made a good faith commitment to a ceasefire and
demonstrated its readiness to engage constructively. Russia made
a different choice.
"Thank you, Mr Chair.
Since this Council last met, Russia has further intensified its
war against Ukraine. Its actions once again demonstrate contempt
for international law, for civilian life, and for the conditions
required to achieve a just and lasting peace.
In March, Russia launched an average of over 200 drones per day
against Ukraine – a wartime high. Early indications suggest April
is on course to match that grim record.
This relentless increase stands in contrast to Ukraine's
consistent call for a permanent ceasefire. A call the Kremlin
continues to reject. In the absence of any credible signal from
Russia that it was prepared to change its stance on this issue,
on 31 March President Zelenskyy proposed a ceasefire over the
Easter period. This was a serious offer, made in good faith, and
intended to reduce harm to civilians and create space for
dialogue.
Russia's initial response was dismissive and deliberately vague.
In the days that followed, the Kremlin sought to reframe the
narrative, belatedly attempting to present the ceasefire as its
own initiative. This manoeuvre was revealing and not just for its
pettiness. Had Russia been serious about peace, it would have
engaged constructively with Ukraine's proposal from the outset.
Instead, presumably to avoid being seen to acknowledge Ukraine's
approach as being constructive, it chose performance over
substance, seeking to deflect scrutiny.
During the so-called “truce” period, there were thousands of
violations reported, including shelling and short-range drone
launches. At the same time, it is right to acknowledge one
limited but notable development: the absence of long-range strike
activity during the ceasefire. This should not be
overstated. Regrettably, in the hours after the ceasefire
ended, Russia fired nearly 100 drones. But it does underline an
important point. Intensification of these attacks is a choice,
and so too is restraint.
Even this limited pause demonstrates that reducing violence and
creating conditions more conducive to negotiations is possible,
if the political will exists. Ukraine has shown that it is
prepared to take such steps. It has signalled readiness for a
ceasefire that could serve as a foundation for wider talks. We
urge Russia to step up and match this willingness.
For now, though, Russia, continues to reject peace, regardless of
rhetoric. While speaking of negotiations, it has intensified
attacks. While gesturing towards ceasefire concepts, it has
violated them repeatedly. While attempting to claim the language
of restraint, it has intensified its attacks on the ground. This
contradiction cannot be ignored. It raises serious questions
about Russia's intentions and its credibility as a negotiating
partner.
Ukraine's position remains consistent and principled. It seeks a
cessation of hostilities not as an end in itself, but as a
pathway towards a broader settlement that upholds international
law and secures its sovereignty. Ukraine has demonstrated
readiness to engage constructively. Russia has so far made a
different choice.
The path to peace begins with an immediate cessation of
hostilities, respect for international law, and genuine
engagement in good faith. Ukraine is ready. At present, Russia is
not.
Thank you."
