UN Security Council Briefing 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
28 May 2026, New York
President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Baltic States, and we also align with the Statement of the European Union.
In the early hours of 24 May, Kyiv endured one of the largest and most devastating combined aerial assaults of Russia’s full-scale war. The attack reportedly involved more than 90 missiles, including hypersonic ballistic missile, and over 600 drones. At least 4 civilians were reported killed, and over 100 injured.
Residential buildings, schools, markets, cultural sites and government facilities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, were struck or damaged across all districts of the capital. The premises of the World Health Organization and the UN were among the buildings damaged in the attack.
The hypocrisy of Russia in portraying its actions is immeasurable. Just last Friday, Russia requested an urgent Security Council meeting to convey concerns regarding to what it described as an attack on civilians in an occupied territory of Ukraine.
Throughout the week Russia found it appropriate to bomb entire cities, while today Russia seeks to justify these acts from the seat of a permanent member of this Council.
Moreover, Russia is accusing countries that support Ukraine in its right of self – defense. The Baltic States reject all false claims.
We strongly condemn Russia’s horrific attacks on Ukraine and call on Russia to immediately cease its aggression. There can be no false equivalence between the aggressor and its victim. Russia alone is responsible for starting this war.
We further highlight the efforts of the UN and international humanitarian agencies and workers, in their commitment of assisting Ukrainian authorities and civilians facing this assault.
President,
Attacking cities with nuclear capable missiles and other explosive projectiles is a grave violation of international law and must not be treated as business as usual. Such cowardly attacks demand accountability.
We invite all members of international community to support the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, in line with the Council of Europe resolution on the Special Tribunal adopted on 15 May.
We will also continue to call for full accountability and implementation of the International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued against Russian political and military leadership, including Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova over allegations of involvement in the war crimes of child abduction during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
As Russia continues to ignore the multiple calls for peace – including resolution 2774 adopted by this Security Council, countless resolutions of the General Assembly, and the International Court of Justice decisions – it is time for Security Council to act.
The Baltic States advocate for an immediate ceasefire to stop the violence, alleviate suffering and to enable negotiations with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace.
We reiterate our determination to continue supporting Ukraine, its right to self-defense, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with international law, including fundamental principles of the UN Charter.
I thank you.