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, 19 May 2026
Thank you, Mr. President,
I thank Director Gotoh and Director Wosornu for their briefings.
Mr. President,
In the lead-up to the 9th of May, Russia asked Ukraine not to attack its military parade in the Red Square. Ukraine generously agreed, as a humane gesture.
In response, Russia committed the largest attack yet against Ukrainian civilians and children. 1567 long range drones and 56 missiles launched by Russia on 13 and 14 May. Among the at least 39 people killed were three girls. Among the more than 175 injured were first responders, wounded in “double tap” strikes.
There will be justice for these crimes and all atrocities committed by Russia. Last week in Chisinau, Moldova, 36 countries approved the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. Latvia urges all countries committed to safeguarding the rules-based international order to join the Special Tribunal.
Mr. President,
This war has two parties.
Russia – the aggressor that wages an unprovoked war of choice. A war of aggression in violation of the UN Charter. A war against its sovereign peaceful neighbour.
And Ukraine, a sovereign state defending itself in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter. The Ukrainian people never wished for this war. They most of all want the war to end. Yet they are fighting for their existential survival. For Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Russia, however, is not accepting the reality that it is failing its own war on all fronts – military, political, economic; and that its military is unable to match the innovative Ukrainian army.
Instead, Russia continues escalating its barbaric large-scale attacks against civilians.
As a result, more people were killed and injured in Ukraine in the first four months of 2026 than in the same period of the previous three years.
The attack on residential neighbourhood in the city of Dnipro on the night from May 17-18 destroyed or damaged over 20 residential buildings, a school and a kindergarten. Russia has established a humanitarian blockade around the occupied village of Oleshky by using drones. Using drones to mine the access roads and are hunting civilian cars and delivery vans. Civilians are trapped in the village with limited food supplies and no drinking water.
Mr. President,
Latvia condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s escalatory attacks against civilians and United Nations humanitarian personnel as unforgivable violations of international law.
Unimpeded humanitarian access is critical.
As mentioned by the briefers, last week alone two targeted attacks against clearly marked UN humanitarian convoys. These are not accidents, but a repeated and deliberate pattern carried out by Russia in a clear violation of international humanitarian law. This year alone there have been 56 incidents, with 3 humanitarian workers killed and 10 injured.
Russia also continues to verbally attack the UN system and independent monitors. Facts and evidence will not bend to the fantasies of Russian leadership. If Russia wants anyone to listen to its allegations, it must provide full and unimpeded access to independent monitors.
Russia frequently uses distortion of facts to spread hostile disinformation. One such case concerns Russia’s completely baseless claims of NATO countries allowing their territory airspace to be used for drone attacks on targets in Russia. These are dangerous lies. All three Baltic states have summoned Russia’s representatives and handed them protest notes explicitly denying these accusations. Today Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service has taken a step further in escalating its disinformation campaign to open threats of use of force against the Republic of Latvia. And I quote: “coordinates of decision-making centres on the territory of Latvia are well known. But NATO membership of the country will not protect terrorism enablers from just revenge”.
It is another demonstration of blatant disregard for international law and the UN Charter. We strongly condemn such escalation and lies. All of the recent drone-related incidents in the Baltic states are solely the consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Instead of continuing its malign information operations and threats, Russia must end its war and withdraw its armed forces from the whole internationally recognised territory of Ukraine.
Mr. President,
The United States administration, European leaders, and Ukraine, have invested a great deal in bringing this war to an end. Russia continues to single-handedly undermine all of these efforts.
There remains only one way out – for Russia to agree to an immediate, full and comprehensive ceasefire.
Agree to a real ceasefire. Leave Ukraine.
And then the war will be over and there will be peace.