Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia at the 1509th Reinforced Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council

Statement delivered by H.E. Baiba Braže

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia

at the 1509th Reinforced Meeting of the Permanent Council

February 24, 2025

Chairperson,

Today marks the third year since Russia's full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, condemned by the international community.

For three years, Russia has waged a brutal, colonial war aimed at destroying Ukrainian statehood, identity, language, and seizing its resources and territory. Russia has sought to destroy Ukraine’s present and future by unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children and destroying civilian and critical infrastructure.

The illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in 2014 marked the beginning of Russia’s aggression. Since then, Russia has violently shattered the rules-based international order, including principles of international law and OSCE values.

This is not just an isolated war, nor is it just a European problem or issue. Its consequences are felt across the globe, affecting the food and energy security of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

Russia's actions undermine decades of diplomatic work, confidence- building measures and arms control. Russia obstructs the OSCE agenda, detains three of its staff members, seizes 70 official vehicles, and owes the OSCE millions in debt.

Recent developments in Russia are deeply troubling. The ongoing crackdown on its civil society, opposition, independent media, as well as  propaganda, youth militarization, and falsification of history, all contribute to a repressive environment. Domestic repression directly enables external aggression.

The OSCE Moscow Mechanism, aimed at addressing human rights violations, is crucial. Independent experts have found clear evidence of war crimes and human rights abuses by Russia in Ukraine, and within Russia. These findings must be presented to international tribunals. Russia’s political and military leaders must face international accountability.

Chairperson,

We all have a stake in the resilience of the multilateral system. Therefore, we must not only maintain but enhance our support for Ukraine. Europe and our partners must act decisively now, strengthen Ukraine's position both in the battlefield and at the diplomatic table, including here at the OSCE through programmes like SPU.

A just, comprehensive, and durable peace cannot be achieved at Ukraine’s expense. Any half-solutions or concessions to Russia will only encourage further aggression. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.

Dear Ukrainians, we have your back, and you have ours. Europe stands with Ukraine in this existential fight.

Thank you!