Statement by the Republic of Latvia on behalf of the Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
Delivered by H.E. Ms. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia
United Nations Security Council Briefing, 8 March 2024, New York
Mister President,
I have the honour to address the Council on behalf of three Baltic States - Estonia, Lithuania and my own country Latvia. We align ourselves with the Statement of the European Union.
I thank today’s briefers for their briefings.
Russia’s brutal war has claimed countless lives of innocent Ukrainians. It continues to cause enormous human suffering and destruction. Attacks on the Ukrainian port city Odesa carried out by Russia on 2 March and 6 March is clear evidence of deliberately targeting civilians and critical infrastructure of Ukraine, constituting yet another blatant violation of the international law, including the UN Charter. At least 12 civilians including 5 children were killed by Russian drone that hit apartment block. Another missile launched at Odesa fell dangerously close to Greek Prime Minister and Ukraine President during their visit to the city. It killed 5 civilians and caused destruction of the port related facilities.
Odesa as a key port city of Ukraine plays crucial role in shipments of food supplies to Global South countries. More than 30 million metric tonnes of agricultural products have been exported through Odesa ports since August 2023 through shipping corridor established by Ukraine after Russia unilaterally withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. By targeting ports, Russia does harm global supply chains and food security worldwide. This affects the most vulnerable populations and aggravates food shortages.
We condemn, yet again, Russia's criminal actions in Ukraine by attacking civilians and critical infrastructure which constitute a war crime. Russia’s full-scale illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine is carried out with the complicity of Belarus and military support from Iran and DPRK. We continuously call upon aggressor to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from the territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders. Russia’s criminal actions are not compatible with its status as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.
Mister President,
Accountability is a prerequisite for a lasting and just peace. Russia and its leaders must be held accountable for the crime of aggression through fully-fledged international tribunal that enjoys broad support and legitimacy by the international community. In this regard, we welcome the recent ICC arrest warrants for two Russian officers for their crimes committed in Ukraine.
Just and sustainable peace cannot be achieved at Ukraine’s expense. Any half-solutions or any Russian gains from the war will just encourage further aggression. We support Ukraine’s Peace Initiative and encourage other members of the United Nations to join it.
Baltic States reaffirm our full solidarity with Ukraine and unwavering support until its victory.
On this International Women’s Day, let us spare thought for all women killed and raped in Ukraine and other wars.
I thank you!