OSCE chair tells Security Council Russia violates UN Charter, urges support for Ukraine
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Summary
Speaking as the OSCE chairperson, Elena Waltonen told the UN Security Council that Russia's war against Ukraine breaches the UN Charter and Helsinki principles, detailed OSCE support for Ukrainian children and called for broad backing for accountability and a just, lasting peace.
Elena Waltonen, speaking as chairperson in office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, told the United Nations Security Council that Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is "the largest and longest war in Europe since the second World War" and said Russia is violating the UN Charter and "each of the 10 Helsinki principles." Waltonen urged member states to support Ukraine and to pursue accountability for violations of international law.
Waltonen said accountability efforts during Finland's OSCE chairpersonship have included steps to address "the unlawful deportation of children" and practical measures through the OSCE support program in Ukraine that have helped to register missing children and to support their rehabilitation. "Supporting Ukraine and promoting accountability for violations of international law have been at the heart of the work of our chairpersonship of the OSCE," she said.
The OSCE chair called on the Council and all member states to back Ukraine "in achieving a just and lasting peace as soon as possible," warning that how the war ends will shape the future of peace and stability in Europe and beyond. Waltonen framed the appeal within the OSCE's 50-year history, saying the Helsinki Final Act principles mirror the UN Charter and remain central to preventing conflict and upholding human rights.
Waltonen made no procedural request for a vote; she described OSCE activities and appealed for political and practical support. The briefing closed with the Security Council president thanking her for the statement.