Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations at the UN Security Council Briefing on Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine
New York, 23 March 2026
Thank you, Mr. President,
And let me begin by warmly thanking you and for presiding over this meeting today.
I thank Undersecretary DiCarlo and Undersecretary Fletcher for their very detailed and factual briefings.
Mr President
It has been over four years now since Russia unleashed its full-scale aggression against Ukraine. But in reality, this war of choice by the Russian Federation has been ongoing for twelve years. It started in 2014. The briefings we just heard clearly describe the situation on the ground, the violations committed and outline what needs to be done, including the asks by USG Fletcher.
And we also highly commend the sustained peace efforts of the United States and European countries, and underline Ukraine’s constructive engagement in peace negotiations. Meanwhile, we also know that ending this war depends entirely on the aggressor – the Russian Federation.
Hence, Latvia demands the immediate and unconditional cessation of all attacks by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
For over a year, Ukraine has demonstrated its readiness for a ceasefire. And I have a question, has Russia demonstrated the same? Ukraine has been engaging constructively in talks and planning for peace, despite its deeply gruesome past experience with agreements signed with Russia, that have been breached repeatedly.
Russia has violated over twenty ceasefires with Ukraine, even before starting the full-scale aggression in 2022.
Latvia expresses its full solidarity with Ukraine and its people. Indeed, Ukraine indeed has legitimate security concerns. Not by whim, but by experience. And this is why robust security guarantees for Ukraine are crucial.
Mr President,
The UN Secretary-General and the UN General Assembly have consistently reaffirmed the unwavering support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Ukraine. The Ukrainian nation remains united, strong and determined to defend their native land and its people. Ukraine has been forced into applying its right of self-defence, as foreseen in the UN Charter.
Russia’s military aggression has not been able to achieve Russia’s goals. Goals that are imperial by their nature.
Russia has suffered massive losses, since 2022, around 1.3 million soldiers killed and wounded.
Over the last three months, Russia is losing more troops than it can recruit, increasingly resorting to deceiving and luring foreign nationals under false pretences and use them as cannon-fodder in the war. In addition to coercive and illicit practices against its own citizens and forced militarization of Ukrainians in the occupied territories, including children.
At the same time, Russia’s territorial gains have been less than minimal. 1.5 % of Ukraine’s territory since late 2022 and even those are diminishing. In February, Ukraine’s gains exceeded the territories lost and the Dnipropetrovsk Region is almost fully liberated from the occupying forces.
The fact is, Russia is not winning this war. When being unable to win against the heroic defenders of Ukraine, Russia is cowardly taking revenge on civilian population.
Since Russia cannot succeed on the battlefield, it has intensified its attacks against Ukrainian civilians, first responders, the UN and local humanitarians alike.
So, Latvia calls upon the Russian Federation to fully comply with its obligations under the international law, including international humanitarian law, in particular regarding the protection of civilians and civilian objects. Russia must immediately cease the aggression and withdraw from the occupied territories. Russia must abide by the UNSC resolution 2774.
We welcome the leadership of the Secretary-General and the work of the UN system in exposing Russia’s crimes. The UN OHCHR has verified that the harm to the Ukrainian civilian population continues to worsen with every year. The civilians across the country suffer the dire consequences of sustained and systemic attacks by Russia on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Serious violations of international humanitarian law by Russia have been widespread with virtual impunity. The systemic and widespread torture against prisoners of war and civilian detainees taking place in Russia’s detention facilities must stop.
We continue to call on Russia to provide unimpeded access to international and independent monitoring.
We reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for the immediate return of the deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children without delay. And We insist on the urgency to take action on children in armed conflict and against conflict-related sexual violence.
Mr. President,
Let me conclude by repeating:
This aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine has been on the Council’s agenda for 12 years. Latvia supports all diplomatic efforts to end this war and to achieve a just and lasting peace.
The Security Council must shoulder all its responsibilities by taking a firm stance - condemning this unlawful and unprovoked war of aggression by Russia and doing everything in our power to achieve a ceasefire and prevent any future aggression.
I thank you.