UN Security Council meeting on Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Julius Pranevičius, Permanent Representative of Lithuania on behalf of the Baltic States
9 November 2026, New York
Madam President,
At the outset, I would like to extend my congratulations to Latvia on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council.
I will speak on behalf of the Baltic States. We also align with the statement delivered by the European Union.
Regrettably, once again, we must start by condemning the latest Russia’s attacks against civilians.
Every day, we hear about ongoing strikes against civilians by Russia’s military. Entire families perish while resting in the park, at home or in the playground. Yet Russia shows no remorse nor willingness to stop its war. Instead, Russia expands its strategy of targeting vulnerable civilian infrastructure.
In its recent report the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that the Russian authorities have committed war crimes of intentionally directing attacks against civilian objects, as well as crimes against humanity of other inhumane acts.
The Commission also found that Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure were part of a state policy to deprive civilians of essential services and cause suffering.
Yet Russia is only escalating its aggression, including attacks on the merchant shipping in the Black Sea, which undermines European and global security, disrupts critical supply chains, leading the world towards major crisis.
As Russia escalates its aggression, it seeks to shift responsibility through disinformation.
The Baltic States reject Russia’s attempts to distort facts and evade responsibility for its war.
As a holder of permanent member seat of the Security Council, Russia has a particular responsibility to uphold the UN Charter and its fundamental principles, yet it brazenly disregards them.
President,
The Baltic States call for the full accountability of Russia for its acts of aggression. We need to swiftly operationalize the Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and other accountability mechanisms.
The Baltic States reiterate the Secretary-General’s decision to prohibit all countries repeatedly listed in the annexes of his reports on Children and Armed Conflict and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence from participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations. A military repeatedly listed for grave violations against children and conflict-related sexual violence cannot credibly be entrusted with the protection of civilians under the UN flag.
Furthermore, the UN Security Council as the primary body responsible for ensuring international peace and security, should demand that Russia agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and subsequently engage constructively in peace negotiations. Russia must be collectively forced to peace.
Also, efforts must continue to achieve the return of all prisoners of war, the release of all unlawfully detained, and the safe return of civilians who have been forcibly transferred or deported – particularly children.
The Baltic States welcome the ceasefire negotiated by US First Lady Melania Trump in occupied Oleshky, which allowed for essential humanitarian access and evacuation. Such humanitarian arrangements should encourage further efforts to provide assistance and help more civilians evacuate safely. In light of this, Russia should commit to further negotiations, instead of resuming its attacks on Kherson region.
President,
We call on the international community to provide all necessary political, military, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. It is essential, as Russia intensifies attacks on critical energy infrastructure ahead of the winter months.
We reiterate our strong commitment to just and lasting peace in Ukraine, to its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders.
I thank you.