*Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, among many others, co-sponsored the draft resolution
Today, in the most cynical manner Russia yet again abused its veto power to exempt itself from any accountability for its acts of aggression in Ukraine. Despite attempts of the majority of the members, the veto of the Russian Federation – aggressor in question- blocked the Security Council. The failure of the Security Council to uphold its mandate and primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and to protect an independent, sovereign and peaceful State from the acts of aggression – and civilians – from the scourge of war – is utterly regrettable, although not unexpected.
Today’s vote was a vote to uphold the UN Charter and to stop the full-scale war and gross violations against the state and people of Ukraine. As we speak, Russia continues to commit atrocity crimes in Ukraine. The perpetrators of atrocity crimes should be held responsible. The Prosecutor of ICC reminded today that as Ukraine has by the declaration lodged on 8 September of 2015, accepted the jurisdiction of the ICC, the Prosecutor’s Office may exercise its jurisdiction over any act of genocide, crime against humanity or war crime committed within the territory of Ukraine since 20 February 2014 onwards.
The capital of Ukraine is under the heavy military attack. Many innocent lives have been already claimed. Such acts of aggression and the use of force are blatant violations of international law, including the UN Charter, that require accountability.
Russia continues to defy the purposes and principles of the United Nations to an extreme and grotesque manner. Such gross violation of international law by a permanent member of the UN Security Council undermines the founding principles and the very essence of the United Nations. Despite numerous diplomatic efforts and repeated calls, including by the Secretary General, Russia has chosen the path of war.
This is the most dangerous moment in European – and global -security for a generation. Let us call a spade a spade. Today Ukraine is fighting not just for Ukraine, not only for Europe, but for every Member State in the democratic world. It is thus incumbent upon us to not merely punish Russia for its actions but to also help Ukraine with all and every means available. Our words will not down Russian war planes nor stop its advancing tanks in their tracks. We must act and act NOW.
We must continue to provide political, economic, financial, humanitarian, and other assistance, including weapons, ammunition, and other defensive military equipment to Ukraine against Russia. The entire international community must firmly condemn Russia‘s aggression and impose the toughest possible sanctions in response to such outrageous acts.
While utterly condemning Russia’s aggressive actions, Baltic States urge the international community not to stay silent. We, the Member States of the United Nations, must hold Russia accountable. We have our voice here. The General Assembly is empowered to make recommendations to States on international issues and we must use this power to stop this cynical attack against the rules based international order. This is a moment of “to be or not to be”. Not only for Ukraine, but also for the UN as a whole. We must act in unity and solidarity, and save Ukraine, a founding member of the United Nations, the UN Charter and our conscience.