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Mr. Minister Kyslytsya, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, First, allow me to thank the Ukrainian Mission for organizing this round table discussion and inviting us to speak. Second, I would like to convey Lithuanian Permanent Representative, Raimonda Murmokaitė’s, apologies for not being able to attend. Two years ago, just moments after the doors of Winter Olympic Games had closed in Sochi, the Olympic ideals were fast discarded as Russia started the illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol. The occupation of Crimea marked the start of a larger politico-military attack against Ukraine’s independence, unity, and territorial integrity, carried out under false pretexts and supported by an unprecedented propaganda and smear campaign against Ukraine and its people. By now this war has left more than 9000 dead, 15000 wounded and millions in need of humanitarian assistance. It was the most glaring breach of the UN Charter as well as Russia’s bilateral and multilateral commitments and obligations under international law.

Started by the so-called little green men, heavily armed military without insignia, Crimea’s annexation was then buttressed by a hastily crafted illegal and illegitimate referendum which took place under the guns of Russia’s armed forces. After countless denials and lies about what was going on, in March 2015, Russia’s President Putin himself admitted that the plan to annex Crimea was ordered on 22 February, well before the sham referendum on self-determination. The military takeover was marked by increasing repressions and persecution of Ukraine’s supporters and the Tatar community in particular, for whom Crimea is the only historical home they have. Forced disappearances, torture, and other abuses have been directed against those who do not accept the annexation. Crimean Tatar leaders were banned from returning home.

By adopting the UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262 [in March 2014], the international community reaffirmed Ukraine's sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, with Crimea as part of Ukraine’s territory.  

It is imperative that the international community continues to stand up for the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, rejects the use of force against the territorial integrity of other state, and persists in the non-recognition of  the illegal occupation and annexation of Crimea. Charter breaches cannot and must not be taken lightly. There can be no equivocations about such acts. If ignored, failure to stand up for the Charter and the international law when a country is being cut up by its neighbor using military force may have dramatic and lasting consequences for the international order.   

Sadly, two years since the adoption of the said resolution, Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity remain at risk. Minsk agreements remain unimplemented. The occupation of Crimea and the military campaign against eastern Ukraine continue. Russian weaponry is still on the Ukrainian soil, while the border between Ukraine and Russia is still open for the comings and goings of Russian soldiers and mercenaries. Russia’s so-called humanitarian convoys are used to bring in the tools of war and smuggle out Ukrainian coal and other goods. International observers continue to face restrictions imposed by the illegal militants controlling eastern Ukraine. In spite of countless calls to ensure access for international monitors, it remains constrained to a few kilometers of the conflict border.

Lithuania calls on the international community to ensure respect for the UN Charter and make sure that breaches of the Charter have consequences for those who trample the internationally accepted norms.  Let us not forget the clear pattern that exists in Russia’s behavior towards its neighbours, from Transnistria to the war with Georgia, to the situation in Ukraine.

Crimea-related sanctions against Russia must be kept in force until the causes for their introduction are eliminated and Russia recommits to respecting the international law set by all of us, including Russia itself. Lithuania stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, firmly supporting Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, with Crimea as an integral part of the state of Ukraine.

Thank you for your attention.