Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) at the United Nations Security Council
New York, 29 April 2025
Mr President,
I will speak on behalf of the Baltic states – Estonia, Lithuania and my own country Latvia.
I thank the presidency of the Council for convening this meeting, and I thank the Under-Secretary-General Ms DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary General Ms Msuya for their comprehensive briefings.
As concluded by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, in the first three months of this year, twice as many civilians were killed in Ukraine compared to the same period last year. Deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, constitute a war crime. The Baltic States condemn all heinous acts and call on the aggressor to stop these attacks.
Noteworthy, while diplomatic efforts to find a solution to end the war are ongoing, Russia’s attacks on civilians continue to increase. It is more than clear, that Russia is not interested in peace. Russia rejected the permanent ceasefire proposed by the US. The so-called temporary truce that Russia has recently announced is nothing else but poor attempts to deceive the world in its desire of peace. Russia’s crimes serve as a stark reminder that impunity gives way to repeated crimes. Ensuring accountability is essential to ending impunity and preventing further atrocity crimes. In this context, we are glad to note that the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine is in its final stages. Perpetrators must be held accountable.
Mr President,
This is not an isolated war, nor just a European issue. Its consequences are felt across the globe, affecting the food and energy security worldwide. Particularly, in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. Just imagine – Russia’s war of aggression has cost around 2% of the global GDP. This money should have been invested in enabling global development, tackling climate crisis and achieving SDGs.
The Baltic states welcome all efforts to bring a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in Ukraine. A peace that is rooted in the principles of the UN Charter and international law. Just and lasting peace in Ukraine is fundamental for the long-term credibility of a multilateral system. The potential peace deal must fully respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The return of abducted children, PoWs and civilian internees shall be part of it. Steps must be taken to ensure full access by ICRC to all protected groups in accordance with IHL. We continue to call on all states that stand for the UN Charter and international law, to support restoring justice for Ukraine.
Mr President,
The Baltic states firmly stand by Ukraine. Our support is unwavering and unconditional. It reflects our conviction that the defence of Ukraine is the defence of our common future, where might does not make right. Borders must not be altered by force, and we will never recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia or any other region of Ukraine.
To conclude, I would like to remind that the so-called root causes of the war that Russia brings to the table, are Russia’s attempts to restore its sphere of influence and change the international order. It wants to decide on the future and choices of sovereign nations. Not only in its neighbourhood, but in other continents as well. Let me underline, that international system defined by imperial and colonial ambitions is not the world we want to live in.
Thank you!