I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Baltic States – Estonia, Lithuania and my own country Latvia.
Mr. President,
We welcome this emergency public meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the latest developments as regards further Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
I would like to thank the Undersecretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing.
This is the third time within less than a month that the Security Council has discussed further Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Unfortunately, the repeated SG’s calls for serious de-escalation have been ignored by Russia. This is ominous moment for the UN. This is a repeated gross breach of the fundamental principles of international law, including the UN Charter. This undermines the foundations of the UN system.
Let me reiterate the unwavering support of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Mr. President,
The decision taken today by the Russian Federation to recognize the independence of Luhansk and Doneck, the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine is a continuation of the attack on Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity that began in 2014 by annexation of Crimea in a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter, under a fabricated pretext, and by spreading false information.
This creeping annexation has taken many forms, including the issuing of Russia’s passports to more than 800 000 citizens of Ukraine residing in the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk of Ukraine, and forced conscription to the Russian armed forces.
Russia is not a victim as it attempts to portray itself – it is the aggressor strengthening its security at the expense of others. One country must not seize another country’s territory by the use or threat of the use of force.
Despite all the recent diplomatic efforts at all levels, including by the US, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, European Union, NATO, OSCE and others, Russia keeps dramatically escalating the situation and, in addition to unprecedent military build-up around Ukraine’s borders and in Belarus where they will be allowed to stay indefinitely, Russia has ordered its military forces being sent in the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk of Ukraine, under the pretext of peacekeeping.
Mr. President,
While utterly condemning Russia’s actions, Baltic States urge the international community to take the strongest possible measures, including strict and swift sanctions, to stop Russia’s aggression and threat to European and global security and offer assistance to Ukraine.
Finally, it is our duty as members of the UN to defend the rules-based international order. The UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. This is one of the clearest principles of international law that all States must abide by. Disputes should be resolved peacefully and not by the use of force – this is not just the right thing but a legal duty, according to the Article 2.3 of the Charter. UN members must condemn such violations of the UN Charter and defend its key principles.
I thank you.