UN Security Council briefing “Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine”
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia on behalf of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
New York, 09 December 2025
Thank you, President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Baltic States, Latvia, Lithuania, and my own country, Estonia. We also align ourselves with a statement by the European Union.
Despite Ukraine’s firm commitment to peace, and despite repeated calls on Russia by the General Assembly and leaders across the globe to end its illegal war of aggression, the Kremlin continues its brutal assault on sovereign Ukraine and the Ukrainian nation.
We underline again that Russia’s aggression is totally incompatible not only with the status and responsibilities of a Permanent Member of the Security Council, but also with those of any UN Member State, undermining the principles of the UN Charter, as well as regional and global peace and security.
While US-led diplomatic efforts continue, and all of us, including the Ukrainians, hope that a full, comprehensive and immediate ceasefire will come sooner rather than later, the situation on the ground continues to worsen. The UN reports a steady rise in Russia’s attacks against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure. On 6 December, 2025, Moscow launched at least 653 drones and 51 missiles against the people of Ukraine. The main targets were once again not military, but heating, energy and transport infrastructure. This is yet another example of how Russia is desperately trying to break the spirit of Ukraine. Yet Ukraine continues to be strong, resilient and united. Because its people are fighting for their own land, their own people against an aggressor they never sought.
Thousands and thousands of Ukrainian children have been illegally abducted and deported to temporary occupied territories of Ukraine and Russia, Belarus and even to the DPRK. Last week, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for the immediate, safe, and unconditional return of children who have been deported to occupied territories and Russia. It was an overwhelming support. We thank all Member States that voted in favor of this resolution, upholding humanity and the principles of international law, including the UN Charter.
Colleagues,
Ukraine stands today as a symbol of the free world’s resilience against imperialism and neocolonial tyranny. We call on all UN Member States to step up pressure on Russia through stronger sanctions while increasing political, military, financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine, including urgent support for Ukraine’s energy sector, systematically attacked by Russia. Only by increasing the cost of aggression on Russia we are able to collectively force Russia to peace in Ukraine. Appeasement of dictators only leads to renewed aggression.
Any credible peace deal would need to fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in its internationally recognized borders. First step towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine should be an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Unfortunately, we do not see neither willingness nor any visible steps on Russian side that indicate that Kremlin starts moving towards a ceasefire, not to mention peace.
Instead, it is clear that Putin’s goals vis-à-vis Ukraine have not changed. Russia’s imperial ambitions have always been characterized by particular cruelty and crimes against the victims of aggression, demonstrating a total disregard for human life – including that of its own soldiers. Only in November Russia lost approximately 31.000 soldiers in Ukraine, the total casualty count on Russian side is above 1.2 million soldiers. Meanwhile there are increasingly alarming reports about human trafficking from other countries to work in drone factories in Russia and even for Russia’s military. We call for Russia to allow UN and independent monitors in to verify all of these claims.
Reality on the battle ground is that Ukraine continues to fight back. There is not a single strategic level breakthrough achieved by the Russian side. In over 11 years with all its military might, Russian forces have not been able to conquer the Donbas region.
President,
Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for the crime of aggression and other crimes committed in Ukraine. We call on all countries to join the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
It is also absolutely clear that Ukraine and Europe must be fully involved in any process aimed at achieving a peace in Ukraine. Only full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity can bring just and lasting peace in Ukraine and therefore greater security and stability to Ukraine and Europe. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Nothing about Europe without Europe. These principles are still very much valid.
Finally, let me assure you that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will continue to stand with Ukraine in all domains. Resolute and unwavering.
I thank you.
