Statement at the United Nations Security Council on Ukraine by H.E. Ms. Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia
New York, 24 February 2026
Thank you, Mr President,
Thank you, Undersecretary-General DiCarlo for the briefing on behalf of the Secretary General, And let me pay respect to the UN Staff working on the ground in Ukraine and doing their job in very difficult circumstances.
Excellencies,
One thousand four hundred sixty-one days. Of entirely illegal, unjustified and unprovoked war. A war with “root causes” known by the entire world. It’s Russia’s imperial, colonial aspirations.
UN Charter principles shattered.
Countless Ukrainian lives lost and destroyed. War crimes. Global consequences for food security. Ecocide, landmines, a global arms race.
All because of one state, which refuses to accept that empires are dead.
One state that four years ago blocked the Council from taking action.
One state that a year ago vetoed a reference to the UN Charter in the Security Council resolution.
Today, this same one state continues to sabotage the peace efforts led by the United States and Ukraine.
This state is Russia. A permanent member of this Council. With a legal responsibility in the UN Charter to uphold international peace and security.
The good news is that Russia’s aggression is failing. In four years, it has achieved none of its strategic goals. Last year alone, Russia lost more than 400 000 troops killed and severely vounded. And was able to capture less than one percent of Ukrainian territory.
At the same time, as confirmed by UN reports and the briefing by Undersecretary General today, Russia’s missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians last year were the deadliest since the start of the war.
During the coldest winter of the decade, Russia constantly destroys civilian and energy infrastructure. Millions are suffering in freezing temperatures. Children and elderly are freezing to death in their beds.
Russia has forcibly transferred around 20 000 Ukrainian children. And militarised Ukrainian children in the occupied territories. In so-called “summer camps”, they are forced to operate drones, dig trenches, mine and demine areas, and use grenades and firearms.
Russia has also bombed first responders, humanitarian workers and clearly marked UN aid convoys. And embassies in Kyiv.
Mr President,
Russia’s war has severe global consequences.
Countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are not safe from Russia’s colonial, imperial ambitions. Russia has manipulated and coerced thousands to the front lines to kill Ukrainians.
We have seen the videos of Russian commanders using foreigners as cannon fodder.
I urge all countries to protect their citizens from this fate. From dying for what? For Russia’s desperate attempts to restore its empire.
Mr President,
Ukrainians continue to inspire us. With their bravery and resilience. Ukraine is a strong democracy and a proud nation.
Ukraine will stay free and sovereign, but it is time to bring this war to an end. To have to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire.
Latvia fully supports the peace efforts led by the US and Ukraine. We stand for a just and lasting peace. A peace that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. A peace where Russia is unable to resume its aggression.
But there is only one country and one man standing between us here and peace. This country is Russia. And this man is Vladimir Putin.
This is why Latvia urges all countries to exert maximum pressure on Russia. Restrict Russia’s economy, impose sanctions, isolate it in international organisations. To stop the killing. And ensure accountability for war crimes.
I thank you!
Slava Ukraini!