Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations, at the UNSC Briefing on Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine
New York, 09 October 2026
Thank you, Madam President,
I thank ASG Khaled Khiari and OCHA Director Gemma Connell for their briefings.
Latvia supported Ukraine’s call for a meeting of this Council in response to Russia’s relentless attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. Over the last days, in Prilyky, Chernihiv Oblast, a Russian missile strike destroyed a residential building, while families were sleeping, killing at least 22 civilians and injuring over 50. In Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, a Russian glide bomb hit a bus station, killing over 30 civilian bus passengers and injuring at least 18. There were many more attacks and many more civilian casualties, including on Kyiv and across Ukraine.
Over the last five days alone - Russia has murdered at least 100 Ukrainian civilians.
As we heard from the briefers today, the body of evidence is horrific– Russia targets schools. Russia targets kindergartens. School buses. Hospitals. Shopping malls. Residential buildings.
Nothing is off limits in Russia’s imperial campaign.
As yet another winter of this war approaches, Russia continues its systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure to leave millions of Ukrainians in the cold without heat, electricity and water.
Ukrainian civilians in the temporarily occupied territories are suffering a dire humanitarian crisis. There are reports of people forced to eat grass. Risking their lives travelling on mined roads and facing Russia’s “human safari” of attack drones. Attacked simply because they are searching for food.
Russia has expanded its aggression by increasing attacks on civilian merchant ships in the Black Sea.
This week alone – two Türkiye owned ships, full with Ukrainian grain were attacked, with international sailors, including from India, Türkiye and Azerbaijan, on board.
The world is feeling the consequences of Russian aggression.Vital grain exports disrupted. Food security is undermined. Food prices are on the rise.
All because of one member present at this table.
Russia has yet again issued open threats to the diplomatic missions in Kyiv. Such threats are unacceptable. We will not be intimidated. Latvian diplomats will continue their work in Kyiv. EU embassies will remain in Kyiv. Our support for Ukraine will not waver.
Madam President,
With every war crime, with every atrocity, with every passing day of torture, killing, repression, we see this war for what it is.
This war is NOT about protecting Russian speakers in Donetsk and Luhansk. In fact, Russia has killed and displaced thousands of them.
This is NOT a humanitarian mission, as the Kremlin has tried to frame it. In fact, Russia has shattered international humanitarian law and created a humanitarian catastrophe, leaving thousands without access to food and medicine in the temporarily occupied territories.
This is an unsuccessful attempt of imperial subjugation. One that is destined to remain unsuccessful because of heroic Ukrainians.
Madam President,
Latvia calls on every UN Member State to step up. Provide maximum energy, medicinal, humanitarian, financial assistance to Ukraine.
To help Ukraine survive this winter.
To stop the senseless killing.
We implore every Member of this Council to increase pressure on Russia to stop the war on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Latvia demands that Russia stops all attacks against energy and food infrastructure.
Latvia continues to call for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire.
I thank you.
Recording: Ukraine - Security Council, 10237th meeting | UN Web TV