Statement on Russia's aggression against Ukraine delivered by Ambassador Raimonds Oškalns at OSCE Special Permanent Council No.1518

Statement by Latvia under the agenda item

“The Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine” ,

Delivered by Permanent Representative of the Republic of Latvia

Ambassador Raimonds Oškalns 

Special Permanent Council No.1518,

24 April 2025

Mr Chairperson,

We thank you for convening this special meeting of the Permanent Council and commend the principled position of the Finnish CiO.

            Latvia fully aligns with the statement delivered by PL on behalf of 26 EU Member States and others, and in addition would like to add the following remarks.

It is obvious that Russia has significantly stepped up its killing of Ukrainian civilians and attacks against civilian infrastructure which are war crimes.

Just this night people in Kyiv were the targets of Russia’s attacks, deadliest since last summer.

Yesterday morning, a Russian kamikaze drone deliberately hit a bus carrying workers to the manganese mine in the Ukrainian city of Marhanets, Dnipropetrovsk oblast, killing nine people and wounding 30.

A day before, on April 22 Russia purposely hit a high-rise apartment building in Zaporizhzhia, wounding 42 people, including 7 children.

On Palm Sunday Russia`s ballistic missiles targeted the center of city of Sumy, tragically killing 35 people, including children, and wounding 117 people.

Latvia strongly condemns Russia`s assaults on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and call on Russia to immediately stop drone and missile strikes on civilian targets.

Since Russia’s invasion, Ukraine has repeatedly expressed its unwavering commitment to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.

To exemplify its commitment, Ukraine has agreed to a full and unconditional ceasefire. Also today the Ukraine representative reaffirmed this commitment.

In contrast, Russia has not taken any credible steps towards reaching peace and keeps on raising its political demands. Russia is deliberately dragging its feet in an attempt to deceive negotiators, to conquer more Ukrainian territory and to terrorise Ukraine’s civilian population.

Russia is the only source of the war and the reason for its prolongation. Even during the one-day long ceasefire declared by Russia over the Easter Sunday, Russian armed forces continued to attack Ukraine.

In conclusion let me quote the Foreign Minister of Latvia: “Only peace through strength can work: Russia needs to be forced into peace, while Ukraine’s self defense has to be strengthened.”

Thank you, Chair.