UN Security Council Briefing on 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
16 December 2024, New York
President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the three Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia, and my own country, Lithuania. We also align ourselves with the Statement of the European Union.
Russia remains in blatant violation of the UN Charter, disregarding multiple GA resolutions, including on “Principles of the UN Charter underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”, that was adopted in February 2023 with a majority of 141 votes, and the order of the International Court of Justice to immediately suspend all military operations in Ukraine.
The suffering that Russia continues to inflict on Ukrainian civilians is intolerable. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has recorded 39,081 civilian casualties in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, while the actual number is much higher. Contrary to what it claims, Russia is attacking civilian population, often including rescue and humanitarian workers. In 2024 there were already over 280 incidents involving humanitarian operations and aid workers on the territory of Ukraine. In this regard we reiterate our appreciation and support for the UN humanitarian assistance, work of UNDP, OCHA and other agencies engaged in providing support to war affected population.
Since 2022 millions of refugees from Ukraine escaping Russia’s brutal war of aggression have crossed borders into neighboring countries and millions are displaced within Ukraine. Out of over 6 million refugees in Europe more than 130 000 have received refuge in the Baltic States. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are working closely with UNHCR Refugee Response Plan to ensure critical protection services and humanitarian assistance.
The Baltic States strongly condemn and are deeply concerned about Russia’s escalating deliberate attacks on civilian population in Ukraine. We urge Russia to respect its commitments under international humanitarian law, protect civilians and humanitarian personnel in all circumstances.
Particular attention should be given to the protection of the rights, safety, and well-being of the children of Ukraine, especially those forcefully deported to and illegally adopted in Russia, demanding their safe return and accountability of perpetrators.
President,
According to UN Human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine, Russia is even expanding its means and methods to target civilians. According to HRMMU’s verified data, as result of modifications enabling glide, aerial bombs killed 341 civilians and injured 1,803 from 1 January through 30 November 2024, a threefold increase in fatalities and a sixfold increase in injuries from aerial bombs compared to 2023. Aerial bombs carry large amounts of explosive material, making them highly destructive in the cities.
Russia also continues to target Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure even now as harsh winter has begun. This Friday Russia fired 93 missiles and 200 drones, including North Korean missile at Ukraine’s electricity generation and distribution facilities, resulting in massive power outages, including to facilities involved in the conversion and transmission of electricity from nuclear power plants. The IAEA has reported that 5 of Ukraine’s 9 operating nuclear reactor units have been forced to reduce power output as result of this attack.
All in all, Russia has already damaged 80 percent of the Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Russia’s aim is clear: they are seeking to destroy the Ukrainian economy and the resilience of Ukrainian people.
We condemn Russia’s deliberate attacks against IAEA staff members. Highlighting Russia’s complete disregard for international law and the safety of nuclear facilities and personnel.
Lately, there has also been a sharp rise in the cases of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian armed forces.
The Baltic States demand full accountability, including implementation of the International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued on 17 March 2023 against Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova over allegations of involvement in the war crimes of child abduction during the invasion of Ukraine, on 5 March 2024 against Sergei Kobylash and Viktor Sokolov and on 24 June 2024 against Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, over allegations of the war crime of directing attacks at civilian objects, causing excessive incidental harm to civilians or damage to civilian objects, and the crime against humanity of inhumane acts under the Rome Statute.
President,
The Baltic States also reiterate our condemnation of the DPRK, as well as Belarus and Iran for their part in aggression and call on all states to desist supporting Russia, including by provision of dual-use goods. We continue to urge China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to exercise its influence on Russia to stop ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s right to exercise its legitimate right to self-defence, enshrined in the UN Charter. The Baltic States will continue to stand by Ukraine until victory and in full support to Ukraine’s Peace Formula, prioritizing its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and holding Russia and its accomplices, including top political and military leadership, fully accountable. Only just peace can be truly sustainable.
Russia must immediately cease its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression and unconditionally, completely and immediately withdraw all its military forces and equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
I thank you.