United Nations Security Council briefing “Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine”
Statement delivered by H.E. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia on behalf of the Baltic States
New York, 23 March 2026
Just last month, we marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale aggression. However, Russia’s war against Ukraine did not begin then. This month marks 12 years since the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, following an illegal and illegitimate so-called referendum, as well as the start of Russia’s armed aggression in eastern Ukraine. More than 12 years ago, Russia’s killing of innocent Ukrainian civilians began. Unlawfully and indiscriminately. Since then, it has not stopped.
According to the United Nations, more than 15,000 civilians have been killed and over 41,000 injured in Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The true toll is undoubtedly higher, including victims since March 2014, the full extent of which remains unclear. Russia’s killing continues. These attacks target civilians and civilian infrastructure, are clear violations of international humanitarian law, and cannot be justified or explained under any circumstances.
This killing has come at a significant cost for Russia. According to publicly available sources, Russia’s battlefield losses are estimated at approximately 1,315,000 soldiers since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022, including both killed and seriously wounded. Even these figures likely underestimate the true, staggering scale of Russia’s losses.
However, Russia has not lost only soldiers and military equipment. It has also lost credibility, honor, and international standing.
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. Its full-scale aggression against Ukraine constitutes one of the most serious violations of the United Nations Charter and international law, amounting to the crime of aggression and accompanied by widespread war crimes, and represents the gravest threat to European and global security since the Second World War. We call on all states to support and join the initiative to establish a Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression, as a necessary step to reinforce the international law-based multilateral system and ensure that impunity does not prevail.
Less than two weeks ago, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, established by the United Nations Human Rights Council, published a deeply disturbing report, concluding that the systematic deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities may amount to crimes against humanity.
The continuation of this war depends solely on Russia’s choices. It can cease its military actions immediately and engage in genuine, good-faith negotiations focused on the full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine, compensation for the damage caused, and accountability for those responsible, rather than the insincere processes we have seen for far too long.
We must collectively apply maximum pressure on Russia to end its aggression and engage in a just and lasting peace. This must be grounded in the UN Charter and international law, including the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The occupation of any part of Ukraine will never be recognized by the international community. The Baltic States stand firmly with Ukraine, because defending Ukraine means defending the ironclad principles of the UN Charter, including sovereign equality of states as well as the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States.
I thank you.