Chair,

It has been almost four years since Russia launched its full-scale, illegal,  unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. While Ukraine continues to tirelessly work for peace, Russia continues its aggression, and is even intensifying its deliberate attacks on the civilian population and infrastructure, violating international law.

We commend WHO’s efforts in maintaining and strengthening the health system in Ukraine under these extremely challenging and dangerous circumstances. We  also commend WHO EURO for the delivery of much-needed support and the  response to national health needs. We condemn all Russia’s attacks on health care facilities and personnel and the grave humanitarian impact of Russia’s ongoing  strikes against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. As outlined in the DG’s report,  more than 50,000 civilian casualties have been reported in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. This has placed high demands on WHO’s work in Ukraine and across the region. We also appreciate the assistance given to the countries neighbouring Ukraine and refugee hosting communities. 

The Organization’s work in coordinating health cluster partners, facilitating medical evacuations and repatriations, ensuring the delivery of essential medical  supplies and equipment has been instrumental in preserving health and care  services for millions of persons affected. Support to maintain routine immunization programmes, ensure access to mental health and rehabilitation services, and strengthen infectious disease surveillance systems remains essential.

We remain committed to supporting WHO’s efforts in Ukraine and call forsustained international support to ensure adequate funding for WHO’s emergency operations. We will continue to contribute through financial and in-kind contributions, technical expertise and diplomatic support. The EU and its Member States have provided €4.2 billion in humanitarian assistance between 2022 and 2025, for civilians affected by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

We reaffirm our continued and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Despite Russia’s ongoing attacks, we stand ready to work further with WHO and other partners to support the Ukrainians in meeting their health needs. We would like to request the Secretariat to prepare an updated implementation report onresolution WHA75.11 for the forthcoming WHA79, as well as a Member State briefing.

Thank you, Chair