Statement during Third Preparatory Committee for the 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) by Latvia (on behalf of the Baltic States)
New York, 28 April 2025
Thank you, Mr. Chair,
I am speaking on behalf of the Baltic States – Estonia, Lithuania, and my own country Latvia.
Mr. Chair,
Let me congratulate you on the assumption of the Chairmanship of the Third Preparatory Committee for the 11th NPT Review Conference and take this opportunity to thank you for your dedicated efforts to convene this session. Let me also assure you of the strongest support of our delegations.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania continue to be firm defenders of the principles enshrined in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) – which remains the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime and the only credible path to nuclear disarmament. As we prepare for the 2026 Review Conference, we emphasize our unwavering commitment to all three pillars of the Treaty: nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Mr. Chair,
We are facing an international security environment marked by growing challenges and uncertainties. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprovoked, illegal and unjustifiable full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, one of the key threats to global peace and security. We condemn Russia’s unlawful seizure, continued control and militarization of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Russia´s actions go directly against the principles underpinning decades of concerted efforts toward nuclear safety and security.
It is impossible to discuss nuclear non-proliferation without addressing the reckless, irresponsible, and escalatory nuclear rhetoric, threats and signalling of the Russian Federation, in direct contradiction to its obligations under the NPT. By threatening nuclear use, de-ratifying the CTBT, lowering the threshold for nuclear use and openly undermining the norms that have underpinned nuclear restraint for decades, Russia has demonstrated its utter disregard for the international non-proliferation and disarmament regime.
Russia is employing nuclear blackmail as a calculated strategy to coerce and intimidate the international community. Russia continues to brandish its nuclear arsenal as a tool of aggression, break fundamental assurances, and flagrantly disregard the international law. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania continue to see NATO nuclear deterrence arrangements as a necessity and a stabilizing factor in European and global security, particularly in the context of Russia’s dangerous and irresponsible behaviour and nuclear rhetoric. Any introductions of politically motivated sub-categories of state - parties is unnecessary and undermines the integrity of the Treaty and distracts from our shared objectives.
Mr. Chair,
A world free of nuclear weapons remains our ultimate goal, and Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania remain steadfast in supporting the established NPT framework to achieve this. Disarmament must follow a verifiable, and transparent process, through responsible, cooperative measures, underpinned by effective nuclear risk reduction, in full alignment with the NPT’s principles and commitments.
Therefore, we deeply regret Russia’s suspension of the New START treaty, which has been a critical instrument of global strategic arms control, promoting transparency and predictability. We urge Russia to engage constructively in discussions with the US on risk reduction and future strategic arms control arrangements.
We are also concerned about China’s rapid and opaque nuclear build-up, which raises questions about its strategic objectives and disarmament commitments under the NPT. We call on China to act responsibly and provide clarity on its nuclear expansion and doctrine and join the US and Russia in strategic risk reduction efforts and strategic arms control discussions.
Mr. Chair,
Upholding the NPT’s principles also requires addressing proliferation challenges that threaten global security and the integrity of the non-proliferation regime. Continued advancement of Iran’s nuclear program and lack of transparency and cooperation with the IAEA pose serious concerns. The non-compliance with IAEA safeguards and the JCPOA weakens trust in its stated peaceful intentions. We urge Iran to restore transparency, fulfil its commitments, and engage constructively with the international community to uphold non-proliferation efforts.
The DPRK’s pursuit of nuclear weapons blatantly violates multiple UN Security Council Resolutions. We condemn its continued nuclear developments and provocative ballistic missile test launches which pose a serious threat to regional stability and global security. DPRK must denuclearize in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible way, comply with the NPT, adhere to IAEA safeguards, and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty to uphold the integrity of the non-proliferation regime.
Mr. Chair,
The peaceful use of nuclear energy is crucial for global development and the transition to clean energy. However, access to nuclear technology must be accompanied by the highest standards of safety, non-proliferation commitments, and full compliance with IAEA safeguards. It is deeply concerning that the right of the peaceful use of nuclear energy for Ukraine, guaranteed by the Treaty, is taken away by Russia. Such actions undermine the very foundation of the Treaty. We reaffirm the indispensable role of the IAEA in verifying the peaceful nature of nuclear programs and emphasise the importance of universalizing the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and the Additional Protocol.
Mr. Chair,
The NPT review process must remain robust in guiding the treaty’s implementation, maintaining its credibility and ensuring compliance and accountability for states that fail to uphold their obligations. The future of non-proliferation and the central role of this treaty depends on our collective ability to uphold and reinforce its principles. This requires firm accountability and a resolute stance against those who seek to erode the Treaty’s credibility.
Thank you.