Thank you, Chairs,
The Netherlands aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following in its national capacity.
Russia’s latest large-scale attacks on Kyiv, including the use of the dual-capable Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, mark yet another reckless escalation in its war of aggression against Ukraine. These strikes are not “retaliatory”, as Moscow claims. The scale and complexity of the May 23–24 strike package – over 90 missiles and some 600 drones – clearly indicate weeks of planning. This is not a response; it is a deliberate campaign of terror.
Russia’s claim that these attacks are aimed at “decision-making centres and command posts” is belied by the reality on the ground. Museums, a shopping centre, a market, apartment blocks in Kyiv’s Lukanivka district, cultural sites such as the Chernobyl Museum and the National Art Museum of Ukraine – these are not command posts. They are places where families live, where children learn, where a society preserves its memory and identity.
The human cost is devastating and undeniable: four civilians killed, dozens injured, including children; entire neighbourhoods shaken night after night. Children in Kyiv are growing up with the sound of air-raid sirens as their bedtime routine and with explosions lighting up the night sky instead of streetlights. No amount of propaganda can disguise the fact that these are attacks designed to break the will of a civilian population.

We also strongly condemn Russia’s explicit threats against foreign nationals and the diplomatic community in Kyiv. By calling on foreign nationals and diplomats to leave the city “as soon as possible” in the context of announcing “systematic strikes”, Russia is effectively admitting that it seeks to intimidate and pressure the international presence in Ukraine. This is a blatant attempt to instrumentalise the safety of diplomats and foreign citizens for political ends. We will not be intimidated. These threats will only result in increased pressure on the Russian Federation and stronger support for Ukraine from our side.
Let us be clear: diplomatic missions enjoy special protection under international law. Threatening their security, even indirectly, is unacceptable. It undermines the Vienna Conventions, it undermines the OSCE’s ability to operate, and it undermines the minimal trust that must exist even in times of war.
Chairs,
We call on Russia to:
1.
Stop their war against Ukraine and immediately cease its unjustified and unlawful aggression against Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure;
2.
to refrain from further provocative actions, to return to restraint, and to contribute to de-escalation and predictability in the military domain. The deliberate use of an Oreshnik missile is a deeply irresponsible act and the Netherlands condemns this in the strongest possible terms.
3.
Stop threatening foreign nationals and diplomats, and fully respect its obligations under the Vienna Conventions;
4.
Engage in genuine efforts towards a just and lasting peace based on the UN Charter, including full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The Netherlands will continue to support Ukraine’s right to self-defence, including through military, political, financial and humanitarian assistance. We do so not only out of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, but also to uphold the security of Europe and the principles that underpin this Organisation.
Every missile that strikes a Kyiv apartment block, every museum reduced to rubble, every child who spends the night in a shelter instead of a bed, is a reminder of what is at stake for all of us around this table.
Thank you.