Mr. President, Excellencies,

It is an honour to address again the Security Council, and I thank the Korean Presidency for this opportunity.

The Czech Republic is proud to be among the founding nations of this esteemed organisation and remains fully committed to upholding the Charter and the rules-based international order.

For more than 11 years, these principles have been under direct assault by Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, which continues to suffer daily attacks against civilians, infrastructure, and even foreign diplomatic missions.  

Russia, for everyone to see, does not seek peace.

Let me state it loud and clear that Russia continues to violate the basic principles of the UN Charter, territorial integrity and national sovereignty, through its naked attempt at land grab and expansion of sphere of influence.

The recent “land swap” proposals and continued military escalation highlight its disregard for peace and international law.

While Russia pretends readiness for dialogue and negotiating process, it systematically breaches the very basic principles of peaceful coexistence among nations and continues to play for time.

And it will continue to do so for as long as the international community allows it.

We condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the recent incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace.

It was not an isolated incident.

It forms part of Russia’s deliberate strategy to intimidate its neighbours and test the limits of international law.

Czechia stands in full solidarity with Poland, Estonia and Romania and commends its swift and decisive defensive response in the face of this blatant act of aggression.

After many years of war, Ukrainians are the ones who want peace in their country the most.

Therefore, Ukraine must be a key actor at the peace talks. Any peace agreement must be based on international law, including the UN Charter, and be subject to Ukraine’s consent.

The aggressor must not be rewarded for unlawful use of force; accountability and full reparations for the damage caused are essential for a just and lasting peace.

Ladies and gentlemen,

There can be no doubt: Russia’s aggressive behaviour cannot be appeased.

It must be faced with strength and a resolute global response.

We call on all members of the international community, and in particular on China, to assume their responsibility and stop enabling this divisive war of aggression — which risks escalating further and undermining global peace.

Thank you for your attention.

President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, UN, New York 23rd of September 2025