Joint statement condemns Russian aggression, urges prisoner exchanges and arms restrictions

Melanie, an unidentified speaker, delivered a joint press stakeout on behalf of a coalition of states and the European Union condemning Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine and calling for concrete steps to protect civilians and pursue accountability.

The statement marked a decade since the seizure of Crimea in February 2014 and two years since Russia's full-scale invasion beginning Feb. 24, 2022. Melanie said the signatories "reiterate our resolute condemnation of this flagrant violation of international law" and cited both United Nations General Assembly resolutions adopted at the Eleventh Emergency Special Session and rulings from the International Court of Justice as evidence that Russia is violating its international legal obligations.

The speaker said the ICJ's order on provisional measures from March 16, 2022, "obliges Russia to immediately suspend the military operation" it commenced on Feb. 24, 2022, and described that order as legally binding. She also said attacks by Russian forces striking civilians and civilian infrastructure "may constitute war crimes," reiterating that indiscriminate attacks are prohibited by international humanitarian law.

Melanie condemned what she described as continued military support for Russia's war, explicitly naming Iran and Belarus and referring to other participants named in the statement, and urged "all countries not to provide weapons and to restrict exports of all items critical to the military" of Russia. She said continued procurement of arms "undermines the credibility of the Security Council and . . . exacerbate[s] regional tensions."

The statement included a demand for the "complete exchange of prisoners of war, the release of all unlawfully detained persons and the return of all civilians forcibly transferred or deported, including children." Melanie said the coalition will continue working to ensure accountability for serious crimes and international law violations committed on Ukrainian territory during the aggression.

Referencing diplomatic efforts, Melanie said national security advisers and foreign policy advisers discussed a peace formula during meetings in Davos and that representatives of more than 80 states and international organizations took part; she voiced support for an inaugural Global Peace Summit aimed at advancing those principles.

She closed the joint stakeout with expressions of solidarity: "We are strong. We are united. We are resolved, and we will deliver." The press statement concluded and attendees proceeded to subsequent meetings.