Statement by the Republic of Latvia On behalf of the Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania: United Nations General Assembly Emergency Special Session
New York, 3 December 2025
Madam President, Madam Deputy Minister, Excellencies,
I am addressing the General Assembly on behalf of the three Baltic States - Estonia, Lithuania and my own country Latvia. We align ourselves with the Statement of the European Union.
The ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now approaching four years, has had a devastating impact on the lives of millions of children. Children are regularly among the victims of Russia’s indiscriminate and deliberate attacks against civilian population of Ukraine. Those who survive, are forced to endure unimaginable hardship and trauma. Russia’s brutal war of aggression against its neighbour has robbed Ukrainian children of their childhoods. Their right to education and family life is violated, they suffer illegal deportation from their homeland. They are subjected to political and military indoctrination aiming to erase their culture and national identity.
The Baltic states, strongly support the resolution (to be) adopted today. This resolution stands for everything the multilateral system represents, and what each and every UN member state has pledged to: the protection of civilians, especially children in armed conflict.
Madam President,
Russia has learned that it cannot destroy Ukraine on the battlefield. Therefore, it systematically violates international law in an attempt to try to weaken the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Today, over 1.6 million Ukrainian children remain under Russian control — both in occupied territories and as a result of deportation. Killing, forcibly transferring and illegally deporting, indoctrinating and militarizing Ukrainian children is the most dreadful part of Russia’s policy. It is documented in the 2024 Secretary-General Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict, and reports of the UN OHCHR.
Make no mistake, this is not just an un-intended side effect of Russia’s aggression, this is a deliberate and integral tactics of Russia’s warfare, aimed at erasing Ukraine’s future. Let me also remind that the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children, are still in effect.
This is a war crime. In fact, it is a whole series of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Baltic States strongly condemn Russia and its accomplices in executing these atrocity crimes.
Madam President,
The resolution (to be) adopted today gives us hope. Hope that collective action can stop Russia's atrocities and facilitate the immediate and safe return of all Ukrainian children. We would like to emphasize that in its discussions on peace, Ukraine has acted responsibly by consistently highlighting the humanitarian aspect of this war of aggression. We commend Ukraine for placing the safety, rights and security of its people at the centre of the peace talks. Together with the Secretary General and the United Nations system, let us protect Ukraine's future - its children. Let us bring them home. Let us bring this horrific crime come to an end.
Russia must provide information on all the children and their locations, and allow them to return home. Immediately. Russia must grant access to the International Committee of the Red Cross and human rights monitors.
As founding members of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, we will continue to provide practical support to protect Ukrainian children and ensure their safe return home. We stand ready to work together with Ukraine and all partners in this initiative to provide "safe pathways home" for all Ukrainians.
The international community must make every effort to demand accountability from Russia and its accomplices. Russia and its leaders must be held accountable for the crime of aggression through an international tribunal that enjoys broad support and legitimacy. We also strongly urge the international community to support efforts to implement the International Court of Justice's binding order demanding Russia to halt its military offensive against Ukraine.
Madam President,
In conclusion, let me reiterate the strong commitment of the Baltic States to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We will continue to provide Ukraine with necessary support. The safe return of every Ukrainian child is a fundamental step towards achieving just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in full compliance with international law and the UN Charter at its core.
I thank you!