I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Benelux countries — Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg — as well as Ukraine, in the framework of the Ukraine–Benelux format.

We reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including its territorial waters. We firmly and unequivocally condemn the ongoing war of aggression waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

During their visit to Odesa on 26 August, the Benelux Ministers of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to Ukraine. Their visit sent a strong and unambiguous political signal of solidarity, and reconfirmed the firm and consistent position of the Benelux countries in the face of Russia’s aggression. The Ministers witnessed first-hand the scale of destruction and the gravity of the security situation, while commending the remarkable resilience of the Ukrainian people.

We wish to restate here the key principles guiding our position:

1. Russia must immediately end its war of aggression against Ukraine and comply with the UN Charter and the Helsinki Principles, through the establishment of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace that ensures the security and stability of Ukraine and of Europe, and is grounded in the norms and principles of international law. We welcome any genuine initiative aimed at ending this war and reaffirm the principle: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.
2. Ensuring accountability for all crimes committed against Ukraine and its people, including the crime of aggression, is essential. We fully support all efforts to secure justice and reparations for the victims. We remain firmly committed to the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
3. Ukraine has the inherent right to freely choose its own destiny — and its allies — in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. The Benelux countries remain fully committed to supporting Ukraine on its path towards EU membership and its Euro-Atlantic integration.

Ukraine urgently needs our continued and intensified military and financial support. Therefore, Ukraine can count on the Benelux countries to remain steadfast as we will continue to provide political, humanitarian, military and financial assistance to Ukraine, for as long as needed and in close coordination with our international partners.

In conclusion, we reaffirm that Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Europe’s security. Guided by the principles of the Helsinki Final Act and the core commitments of the OSCE, we remain determined to uphold the rules-based international order and the respect for the sovereignty of States.

Thank you.