Only decisive international action can compel Russia to abandon its imperial ambitions – Ukraine at OSCE

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, Ukraine's delegation to the OSCE said this in a statement delivered during a regular session of the Forum for Security Cooperation in Vienna.

"Last week, we once again witnessed the horrific cost of Russia's so-called 'interest' in peace – in reality, this was another wave of terror targeting civilians and critical infrastructure across Ukraine," the Ukrainian delegation said.

The statement emphasized that Russia's recent airstrikes once again prove the Kremlin has no intention of ending its war of aggression against Ukraine or halting its terror campaign against the civilian population.

"Despite Ukraine and its partners advancing initiatives for a full and unconditional ceasefire, Russia continues to launch cruise missiles and drones at Ukrainian cities and villages. It uses diplomacy not to seek resolution but to evade accountability and gain military advantage. Proposals for a 30-day ceasefire – meant solely to protect civilians – are dismissed by Russia as 'ultimatums.' Meanwhile, Russian officials openly deny Ukraine's sovereignty and reaffirm maximalist objectives incompatible with any genuine peace," the statement reads.

The Ukrainian delegation called this Kremlin hypocrisy deliberate.

"Russia seeks to portray Ukraine and its partners as obstacles to peace, while exploiting openness to negotiations to coerce Ukraine into surrender," the statement reads.

Ukraine reaffirmed its full commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, but noted this cannot be accomplished alone.

"Achieving this goal requires united international efforts to force the Russian Federation to cease obstructing the peace process. As long as Moscow refuses to do so, it is essential to maintain and intensify pressure on Russia through expanded sanctions targeting its military-industrial complex, energy sector, banking system, and all industries supporting its war machine," the delegation said.

Attention must also be given to third-party countries that aid Russia's aggression and enable it to continue the war against Ukraine.

"Russia has repeatedly shown it responds only to force. Years of aggression, occupation, and war crimes have left no doubt: only joint and decisive international action can compel the Kremlin to abandon its imperial ambitions. Continued military support and strengthening Ukraine's defense are critically necessary to protect our people and deter further aggression," the statement said.