Thank you Mr. President,

The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statements of the EU and of the Group of Friends of Accountability and thanks the Commission of Inquiry for their newest report.

As weather conditions improve, it is important to recall that in recent weeks, Russia continued its widespread and systematic attacks on energy infrastructures in Ukraine during harsh weather conditions. This has left millions of Ukrainians in the most appalling conditions, disrupting every aspect of civilian life. The Netherlands strongly condemns these attacks, which go against human rights and international humanitarian law.

The Netherlands is deeply alarmed by the findings of the Commission of Inquiry. We are especially disturbed by the Commission’s findings on deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children and equally disturbed by Russia’s recruitment of nationals from third countries, in particular from Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia, to fight with the Russian forces in Ukraine, with many of them being deceived or lured under false pretenses. 

Mr. President,

We urge Russia to immediately cease all its attacks and to hold all perpetrators accountable for these flagrant violations of international law. 
In 2025, the legal basis was laid for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and the International Claims Commission. 
We call upon all States to join these accountability mechanisms and urge for the support of the mandate renewal of the Commission of Inquiry.

Thank you.