Czech Speech at the UN Security Council

July 9, 2024

"Colleagues, First and foremost, on behalf of Czechia, I wish to express my profound sorrow and sadness at the attacks on Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital as well as on several maternity hospitals in Kyiv and across Ukraine, resulting in many dead and wounded. What happened yesterday is unconscionable. It is beyond the pale.

Czechia condemns in the strongest terms the devastating attacks perpetrated by the Russian Federation. The horrific spectacle of relentless death and destruction caused by Russia’s blatant aggression reached a new dark chapter yesterday. Targeting small, innocent and sick children with hypersonic missiles is utterly shocking. Directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects is a war crime, and any such attacks are unacceptable and must end immediately.

Regrettably, Russia continues to completely disregard international law as well as claims for durable and just peace. It is more than obvious that arguments such as “mistaken strike” or “Ukrainian air defence caused it” do not hold any ground here.

Russian military must have known perfectly well what civilian targets they aimed at and what damage these strikes would cause.

Colleagues, No matter what lies the Russian propagandists continue to spread, the simple truth remains: Putin’s Russia is the aggressor.

The launching of this war of territorial aggression is Russia’s choice.

The gross violation of the UN Charter and international law is Russia’s choice.

The bombing of schools and hospitals is Russia’s choice.

The killing of children and civilians is Russia’s choice.

Let that sink in. Those responsible for this war must be held to account.

Colleagues, Ukraine needs our support. Ukraine is defending its territorial integrity and fighting for its survival. I want to use this opportunity to reaffirm that Czech support for Ukraine remains unwavering. The international community must take concrete steps to end the war and support Ukraine’s sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders. Czechia is determined to work with all those who genuinely uphold the key principles of the UN Charter to bring an end to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine once and for all.

Thank you."

Official link: https://mzv.gov.cz/jnp/en/issues_and_press/mfa_statements/czech_speech_at_the_un_security_council.html

I decided to inform regularly my professional network about the situation in Ukraine, where I moved in back in July 2020. It cannot be "business as usual" anymore.

To be released soon: my chronicles in French "Mon Journal d'Ukraine - Février 2023"