Thank you, Mr. President. And I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing and thank Director Doughten for her intervention.
Colleagues, more than three months have passed since this Council adopted a resolution imploring a “swift end” to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Following that historic resolution, the United States has worked tirelessly with both sides, seeking a path to peace. We want an end to this war.
As the first step on the path to peace, the United States put forward a proposal for an immediate, unconditional, and comprehensive ceasefire. Ukraine unequivocally accepted, pending Russia’s agreement to do the same. Since then, we have been urging Russia to accept a ceasefire.
Following President Trump’s May 21 call with Russian President Putin, the Russian Federation is expected to provide a term sheet broadly outlining its vision for a ceasefire. We will judge Russia’s seriousness towards ending the war not only by the contents of that term sheet but more importantly by Russia’s actions.
On that note, we condemn Russia’s decision over the past weekend to launch some of the largest missile and drone strikes against Ukraine since the beginning of the war. This disregard for human life does not demonstrate a desire for peace. It must cease.
On the other hand, the recent agreement by both Russia and Ukraine to exchange one thousand prisoners is an indication of what might be possible.
If both Russia and Ukraine are truly interested in peace, the United States will work with both parties, with European partners, and with the United Nations to help achieve that goal beginning with a meaningful ceasefire. But we will insist that discussion of peace by both sides must be undertaken in good faith.
If Russia makes the wrong decision to continue this catastrophic war, the United States will have to consider stepping back from our negotiation efforts to end this conflict. To be clear in doing so we would not be “abandoning” our principles or our friends. Rather we would be recognizing Russia’s refusal to work with us toward a desirable outcome.
As President Trump has made clear we want to work with Russia including on this peace initiative and an economic package. There is no military solution to this conflict. The deal on offer now is Russia’s best possible outcome. President Putin should take the deal.
The alternative – continuing to wage war – would not be in anyone’s interest including Russia's. Doing so would continue damaging Russia's economy military resources national security and international reputation.
Additional sanctions on Russia are still on table. President Trump has emphasized from beginning that this war was strategic mistake and should never have happened; time is not on side of any who would prolong it.
We call on both Russia and Ukraine make difficult historic decision pursue peace responsibility ending war ultimately lies them If one side proves unable unwilling do so it own consequences
Thank you Mr President