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:

Madame President,

At the outset, I thank Colombia for convening this meeting and the briefers for their informative interventions. Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union.

Madame President,

Poland once again takes the floor on the situation in Ukraine, having already addressed this issue twice in this Council in recent weeks. The frequency with which we are called upon to return to this matter is not a choice for Poland, nor for the Council – it is the direct result of the actions of the Russian Federation. As a permanent member of this body, Russia bears particular responsibilities, yet its conduct continues to compel the Council’s attention and response.

At a time when Russia escalates its unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, I wish to highlight three key points that deserve the Council’s particular attention.

First, once again, we gather in the aftermath of a series of extremely brutal Russian airstrikes, the scale of which is unprecedented in this entire war. Russia launched a barrage of drones and missiles targeting multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. Dozens of people were killed and well over 200 injured.

We reject Russia’s cynical attempt to frame these attacks as legitimate military responses. These strikes are part of a sustained campaign against civilians, causing repeated harm to apartment blocks, schools, medical facilities and other civilian objects, with children among the dead and wounded.

We are particularly appalled at the recent remarks by President Putin who called the recent strike by the Oreshnik missile a mere “test”. It speaks volumes that the President of the Russian Federation – a permanent member of the UN Security Council – views attacking urban areas and killing and injuring civilians as an experiment.

This Council has to name it for what it is: a terror campaign against a civilian population, a campaign which constitutes a war crime, and whose perpetrators must and will face justice.

Second, we do not see any changes in Moscow’s position on peace. The world is calling for dialogue, Ukraine is ready to negotiate, yet Russia continues – time and again –  to refuse to engage in talks and sets conditions that serve merely as a pretext to avoid negotiations. Clearly, the Kremlin shows no interest in ending the war and aims to achieve its maximalist goals in Ukraine. The timing of the recent strikes exposes Moscow’s true intentions at the negotiating table. These attacks are part of an escalating pattern, demonstrating that Russia continues to rely on violence and intimidation rather than diplomacy.

Third, Russia’s attacks on civilian areas are aimed not just at Ukraine. We can see that in our region almost every day now. Moscow continues to spread fears or concerns across the world and seeks to undermine and ultimately destroy the international order based on international law and principles that protect all states, especially smaller ones. This deliberate strategy poses a direct threat to global stability and security far beyond Ukraine and our region. Russian propaganda is also active, sowing seeds that create excuses for expanded aggression.

This very Council – the world’s key body for peace and security at the heart of the United Nations system – must fully recognize this threat and respond to it with the gravity it demands.

Madame President,

in conclusion, we firmly reiterate our appeal: it is time for Russia to end this illegal, brutal, and unsustainable war. The path to peace does not lie in terrorizing civilians, but in the cessation of hostilities, the protection of Ukraine, and the restoration of respect for international law.

I thank you.