UN Security Council briefing “Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine”
Statement delivered by H.E. Rytis Paulauskas, Permanent Representative of Lithuania on behalf of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
New York, 20 November 2025
Mr. President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Baltic States, Estonia, Latvia and my own country, Lithuania. We also align ourselves with a statement by the European Union.
I sincerely thank the UN Briefers for their substantive reports. We are shocked by yet another drone and missile attack on Ukraine here. Yesterday Russia fired 476 drones and 48 missiles that killed 25 people in apartment building in the city of Ternopil with about 80 others wounded.
We reiterate our full support and gratitude to the UNDP Resident Coordinator Matias Schmale and his team as well as UN agencies providing humanitarian assistance across Ukraine in the extremely dangerous environment.
The Baltic states strongly condemn Russia’s continuous daily attacks on Ukraine, striking and killing civilians, bombing hospitals, schools and kindergartens, targeting energy infrastructure and triggering more power outages across the country. These are blunt violations of international law.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has verified that in October at least 148 civilians were killed and 929 injured. The casualty rates continue to increase by 27% compared to last year until November. This reflects a sharp escalation in violence against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure and is especially worrying with the upcoming winter. Such attacks constitute war crimes and deprive civilians of elementary humanitarian UN needs and fundamental rights.
For four years now, Russia is continuing its terror against civilians. The latest report by the independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine states that Russian authorities have systematically coordinated actions to drive out Ukrainian civilians from their homes in the occupied territories. Russia’s military intentionally targets civilians and civilian objects in brutal, as they call human safari in the frontline areas. Russia also has forcibly conscripted Ukrainians in the territories it occupies, mobilizing high numbers of the residents into the ranks of its armed forces.
The Baltic states continue to be particularly alarmed by the continuous forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and Belarus. We therefore firmly support Ukraine’s Resolution addressing the situation of Ukrainian children and the urgent need to ensure their safe return.
Mr. President,
We are equally alarmed by the horrendous treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Amid consistent reports of torture, ill treatment and summary executions. Such a treatment is a war crime and must be prosecuted accordingly.
We are also concerned by the growing number of uses of ammunition containing hazardous chemicals against Ukrainian military personnel in violation of Chemical Weapons Convention.
Moreover, the attacks on the substations of the nuclear power plants show blatant disregard of nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. In October, due to the Russian strikes, all Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants had to revert to emergency generators. Russia systematically destroys Ukrainian energy infrastructure with the aim of creating unbearable living conditions for the civilian population, particularly during the harsh winter season. We call on the member states and UN institutions to continue their assistance for the maintenance of the critical energy infrastructure of Ukraine. The Baltic states will continue to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, including supplying the necessary equipment.
Mr. President,
Russia’s aggression is no longer confined to Ukraine’s borders and is spilling across Europe. Russian nationals, shadow fleet operators and other agents are conducting sabotage and engaging in clandestine activities. We recall the recent Council meetings on drones in Poland and fighter planes in Estonia.
On behalf of my own country, I would like to reiterate the persistent and provocative actions of Russia’s ally, Belarus. As I have recently written in a letter informing the Security Council.
The Baltic states call on the Council members to condemn the ongoing hybrid operations by Russia and its supporter Belarus, as they may lead to the further escalation. These irresponsible and dangerous actions must be ceased immediately.
Mr. President,
For months, Russia has rejected all calls by the international community to start its war. Nine months ago, the Security Council, including Russia, adopted a Resolution calling for a swift end to the conflict and urging a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia. Already in March, Ukraine committed to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire.
Russia is the only obstacle to peace in Ukraine. Russia can end the war now, stop its military actions and participate in meaningful negotiations. We reiterate our support to the US President Donald Trump’s efforts and his call to begin direct negotiations to end Russia’s war once and for all.
The Baltic states call on Russia to stop the war immediately, agree to the ceasefire and start meaningful negotiations. We urge all UN Member states to increase pressure on Russia by strengthening the sanctions and by providing greater political, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine. The Baltic states reaffirm our strong commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. And we will continue to provide Ukraine with lasting support to achieve an immediate, comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in full compliance with international law, including UN Charter.
I thank you.