Thank you, Mr. President. Let me start by thanking Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for briefing us on the current situation in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories, and Ukraine, who called and is here for this critical meeting.

I want to start by condemning Russia’s devastating missile attacks on Odesa today – attacks that left at least 14 people dead, and dozens more wounded. This violence is unconscionable, and it is inextricably linked with the matter we are here to discuss: Sham presidential elections in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories.

For those who have questions about Russia’s intentions in Ukraine, there is an old saying you may have heard before: Once is a fluke. Twice is a coincidence. And three times is a pattern.

Image Credit: Greg Nash/Pool via AP