The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document PC.DEL/804/26/Rev.1 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 3 August 2026 Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. ENGLISH Original: as delivered
Delegation of Canada
STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR VÉRONIQUE PEPIN-HALLÉ, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF CANADA TO THE OSCE, AT THE 1575th MEETING OF THE OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL
30 July 2026
The Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine
Mr. Chair,
As this is my first time taking the floor, I would like to express Canada’s sincere condolences to all victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Japan earlier this week.
Canada also stands in solidarity with Germany following the tragic incident at Berlin’s Christopher Street Day celebrations. Our thoughts are with all those affected.
Mr. Chair,
We continue to see a concerning pattern of escalation in terms of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and the negative impact it is having on the broader OSCE region.
In the first half of this year, Russia’s attacks on Ukraine have resulted in some of the highest civilian casualty rates since 2022. Last night, Russian strikes, including on Kyiv, Lviv, and Krivyi Rih, have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.
In parallel, Russia’s aggression is also having increasingly negative consequences for its neighbours.
Russian strikes over the weekend in Sloviansk injured and killed civilians and destroyed homes and infrastructure, including Latvia’s Honorary Consulate. Canada condemns these strikes and offers its condolences to the families of those killed.
During the massive Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine last night, there was reportedly violation of Polish airspace.
Canada also stands in solidarity with Romania in the face of the repeated and unacceptable violations of its airspace in recent days.
Canada condemns these reckless airspace violations, which are a direct result of Russia’s actions.
PCOEW11755 Translation by OSCE Language Services -2- PC.DEL/804/26/Rev.1 3 August 2026
We reaffirm our steadfast support for the security of Romania, Latvia, Poland, and for all of our Allies subject to the Russian Federation’s destabilizing and escalatory actions.
Mr. Chair,
It is clear that Russia’s aggression is having an increasing impact on partners across our region, as we also heard last week from Kazakhstan. In that context Canada welcomes President Tokayev’s efforts to encourage diplomatic dialogue to end the war.
In light of these developments, we reiterate our call on Russia to commit to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and to sincerely engage in negotiations towards a just and lasting peace.
Ukraine has committed to such a step, which would help move towards a better security situation for our entire region.
Mr. Chairperson,
Last week, I had the privilege of joining you and several other of my fellow ambassadors on a solidarity visit to Ukraine. This visit enabled us to see for ourselves the all too real consequences of Russia’s war of aggression, but also the remarkable strength of the Ukrainian people.
What struck me the most on this trip was the determination of the Ukrainian people, who, despite the war, are already planning Ukraine’s future.
During this visit, Ukraine demonstrated that true resilience is not just about enduring the war, but also about preparing for the reconstruction that will follow. While Ukraine is currently experiencing the horror inflicted by Russia, Ukrainians are investing in long-term democratic and social resilience, strengthening their institutions, rebuilding their communities, seeking justice and laying the foundations for a lasting peace.
This visit confirmed that the OSCE is playing a significant role in Ukraine and highlighted the value of effective, action-oriented multilateralism. We support the efforts of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to ensure that the OSCE remains capable of making a difference on the ground in Ukraine, both now and in the future.
Mr. Chairperson,
As far as Canada is concerned, supporting Ukraine means defending its sovereignty, its democratic institutions and the values that we share. I left Ukraine deeply inspired by the courage of its people, impressed by their resilience, and more convinced than ever that our support must remain unwavering.
In closing, I should also like to reiterate the following appeal to the Russian Federation – which I issued alongside my fellow ambassadors in Kyiv last week – calling upon it to immediately and unconditionally release the illegally detained OSCE representatives Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov.
The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document PC.DEL/804/26/Rev.1 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 3 August 2026 Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. Original: as delivered
STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR VÉRONIQUE PEPIN-HALLÉ UNDER AGENDA ITEM: The Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine 1575th MEETING OF THE PERMANENT COUNCIL 30 July 2026
Mr. Chair, As this is my first time taking the floor, I would like to express Canada’s sincere condolences to all victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Japan earlier this week. Canada also stands in solidarity with Germany following the tragic incident at Berlin's Christopher Street Day celebrations. Our thoughts are with all those affected.
Mr. Chair, We continue to see a concerning pattern of escalation in terms of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and the negative impact it is having on the broader OSCE region.
In the first half of this year, Russia's attacks on Ukraine have resulted in some of the highest civilian casualty rates since 2022. Last night, Russian strikes, including on Kyiv, Lviv, and Krivyi Rih, have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.
In parallel, Russia's aggression is also having increasingly negative consequences for its neighbours.
Russian strikes over the weekend in Sloviansk injured and killed civilians and destroyed homes and infrastructure, including Latvia’s Honorary Consulate. Canada condemns these strikes and offers its condolences to the families of those killed.
During the massive Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine last night, there was reportedly violation of Polish airspace. Canada also stands in solidarity with Romania in the face of the repeated and unacceptable violations of its airspace in recent days.
Canada condemns these reckless airspace violations, which are a direct result of Russia’s actions.
We reaffirm our steadfast support for the security of Romania, Latvia, Poland, and for all of our Allies subject to the Russian Federation’s destabilizing and escalatory actions.
Mr. Chair, It is clear that Russia’s aggression is having an increasing impact on partners across our region, as we also heard last week from Kazakhstan. In that context Canada welcomes President Tokayev’s efforts to encourage diplomatic dialogue to end the war.
In light of these developments, we reiterate our call on Russia to commit to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and to sincerely engage in negotiations towards a just and lasting peace.
Ukraine has committed to such a step, which would help move towards a better security situation for our entire region.
Monsieur le Président, La semaine dernière, j’ai eu le privilège de me joindre à vous et à plusieurs de mes collègues ambassadeurs pour une visite de solidarité en Ukraine. Cette visite nous a permis de constater de nos propres yeux les conséquences bien réelles de la guerre d’agression menée par la Russie, ainsi que la force remarquable du peuple ukrainien.
Ce qui m’a le plus marqué lors de ce voyage, c’est la détermination du peuple ukrainien qui, malgré la guerre, planifie déjà l’avenir de l’Ukraine
Au cours de cette visite, l’Ukraine a démontré que la véritable résilience ne consiste pas seulement à endurer la guerre, mais aussi à se préparer à la reconstruction qui suivra. Alors que l’Ukraine vit actuellement l’horreur provoquée par la Russie, les Ukrainiens et Ukrainiennes investissent dans la résilience démocratique et sociale à long terme, renforcent leurs institutions, reconstruisent leurs collectivités, recherchent la justice et jettent les bases d’une paix durable. Cette visite a confirmé que l’OSCE joue un rôle significatif en Ukraine et a mis en évidence la valeur d’un multilatéralisme efficace et axé sur l’action. Nous appuyons les efforts du Président en exercice de l’OSCE visant à garantir que l’OSCE demeure capable d’avoir un impact sur le terrain en Ukraine, aujourd’hui et à l’avenir.
Monsieur le Président, Pour le Canada, soutenir l’Ukraine signifie défendre sa souveraineté, ses institutions démocratiques et les valeurs que nous partageons. J’ai quitté l’Ukraine profondément inspirée par le courage de sa population, impressionnée par sa résilience et plus convaincue que jamais que notre soutien doit rester inébranlable.
En conclusion, j’aimerais également réitérer l’appel suivant adressé à la Fédération de Russie, que j’ai lancé aux côtés de mes collègues ambassadeurs à Kyiv la semaine dernière, afin qu’elle libère immédiatement et sans condition les représentants de l’OSCE détenus illégalement, Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov et Dmytro Shabanov.