Poland in the UN

On May 28, 2026, Poland participated in the UN Security Council briefing on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.

The full statement delivered by Krzysztof Szczerski, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland to the UN in New York, is available below:

Mr. President,

We thank China for convening this urgent Security Council meeting in response to the latest escalatory chapter in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. We also thank the briefers for their informative interventions.

Mr. President,

Unable to achieve decisive battlefield results after more than four years of war, the Russian leadership has once again resorted to the deliberate intimidation of civilians – revealing not strength, but growing desperation. Poland strongly condemns the barbaric Russian attacks on Kyiv on May 24th. Targeting civilian areas and infrastructure is unacceptable. Russia’s latest mass attack – including the reported use of the Oreshnik nuclear-capable ballistic missile against homes, schools, museums, and cultural institutions – constitutes an act of state terrorism, plain and simple. None of these targets was either legitimate or incidental. This is a pure terror.

The severe damage inflicted on more than ten cultural, educational, and religious institutions represents not only physical destruction, but a direct assault on Ukraine’s heritage and identity. It is a clear violation of commitments undertaken by Russia under the UNESCO Constitution and was rightly condemned in the UNESCO’s statement. We need principled international response – one that ensures full accountability in accordance with international law.

Mr. President,

We continue to hear from Russia, including in this Council, that it is conducting a so-called “special military operation.” It is clear that this is not the case. What Russia has been carrying out is an illegal war of aggression, and it is not limiting itself to military targets, instead attacking indiscriminately.

Moreover, Russia has openly announced sustained and systematic attacks against Kyiv, while at the same time calling on foreign nationals, including diplomatic personnel, to leave the city immediately. Such threats are unacceptable. Threatening embassies and diplomats constitutes a flagrant violation of one of the most fundamental international treaties – the Vienna Convention. The international community cannot ignore this conduct.

Russia’s unlawful actions further undermine its credibility as a permanent member of this Council. Its continued and blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of the UN Charter is shameful. Regrettably, we see no indication that Russia is prepared to engage in a genuine peace process. Instead, attacks aimed at spreading fear and despair are intensifying.

Mr. President,

If we allow terror to pass without consequence, we erode the very foundations of this Council. Accountability is not optional – it is essential. We call on Russia to immediately cease its unjustified and unlawful aggression and to comply fully with its international obligations.

Thank you.