Mr. President,

As a party to core international human rights instruments, we strongly condemn Nazism, neo-Nazism, antisemitism, and all forms of racism, xenophobia, and intolerance.

Yet, despite decades of progress, these evils still poison our world. Russia’s cynical justification of its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine under the false pretext of allegedly ‘fighting neo-Nazism’ is one of the most alarming examples.

Since 2022 and even earlier 2014 - Russia has waged terror under this deception. It has trampled international law, unleashing indiscriminate attacks on civilians, destroying vital infrastructure, executing and torturing Ukrainian POWs, and deporting Ukrainians, including children, in acts that echo the darkest chapters of history.

We condemn the cynical attempts of the Russian Federation to present itself as a champion of combating Nazism and Neo-Nazism while repeating those same crimes against entire nations.

We cannot allow the rule of force to replace the rule of law. No appeasement of aggressors, no tolerance for changing borders by violence. 

We call on the international community to stand united in eradicating discrimination and intolerance, which are integral parts of ruscism fueling Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.