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Statement by Raimonda Murmokaitė, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations  I thank the Assistant Secretary-General Ivan Šimonovic and Assistant Secretary-General for political affairs Tayé-Brook Zerihoun for their briefings which are timely indeed. The latest developments on the ground give tenuous hope for a solution to this artificially induced crisis, which has been stoked by persistent anti-Ukrainian propaganda as well as a continuous influx of militants and weaponry from across the Russian borders. A return to normality is badly needed after months of destruction and lawlessness perpetrated by illegal armed separatists, which led to a disturbing deterioration of human rights and humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine, as testified by the third report by United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission.

The third UNHRMM report is yet another proof that pro-Russian militant insurgency was the cause, and not the effect of serious human rights violations and the breakdown of law and order in the eastern regions of Ukraine. Just as Russia’s occupation of Crimea was the cause, and not the effect of serious human and minority rights violations in that region.

The report details cases of abductions, unlawful detentions, killings, torture, ill-treatment, forced disappearances, intimidations, and harassment perpetrated by the armed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Criminality, looting, and racketeering have increased considerably in areas held by the militant separatists.

Stalinist style arbitrary executions by the insurgents have also been recorded, including within their own ranks or as a revenge for extending support to government forces. One such case mentioned in the report is the execution of a farmer in front of his family for bringing food to the Ukrainian forces.

The insurgents are in possession of anti-aircraft and anti-tank weaponry, automatic assault rifles, MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System), machine guns RPK, RGD-5, F-1 hand grenades, and tactical body armor. Last week, three T-64 tanks, B-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers, and other military vehicles crossed illegally from Russia into the Ukrainian towns of Snizhne, Torez and Makiyivka.

The separatists have been carrying out increasingly brazen attacks using ever more sophisticated weapons. On June 14 they downed- and readily admitted perpetrating this criminal act- a Ukrainian military transport plane which led to the loss of 49 lives.

We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the line of duty. We also express our sympathy to all those whose lives have been turned upside down by the ongoing insurgency, causing human losses, displacement and deprivations.

We reiterate our long standing position that Ukraine has the right and the duty to defend itself and seek restoring law and order within its borders. Legitimate force however must be used surgically and with due restraint, avoiding unnecessary damage to civilian infrastructure and civilian casualties.

The best way to defeat the deadly mix of violence, hate and lawlessness that drives the armed insurgency is by upholding legality and the rule of law, including respect for diplomatic immunity of foreign embassies.

Mr. President, 

The third UNHRMM report contains a number of recommendations to the Ukrainian government. We urge our Ukrainian partners to actively engage on the recommendation aimed at restoring confidence and trust within the whole of the country. Lithuania and all of the EU stand ready to assist Ukraine in the reform of the civilian security sector, police and the rule of law.

We welcome the steps that the Government of Ukraine has taken so far in implementing the 17 April Geneva Statement, through a number of round tables, initiatives and legislative changes including those of decentralization of power. Amnesty to those who lay down arms has been offered repeatedly. Just a few days ago President Poroshenko went to eastern Ukraine to directly engage with the local population as well as local authorities.

Welcome steps have also been taken to ensure the rights of ethnic minorities. In stark contrast to the situation in occupied Crimea, where the teaching of the Ukrainian and Tatar languages is being squeezed out, on May 30 Kiev adopted amendments to the framework curriculum which will improve the learning of minority languages as diverse as Armenian, Bulgarian, Tatar, Gagauz, Greek, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Korean, Moldovan, Polish, Romanian, Russian, and Slovak.

President Poroshenko’s most recent initiative- the 15 step plan for a peaceful settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine- can be a real game changer. While it was unfortunately greeted by more insurgent attacks, trilateral talks are going on, and there has been some movement on the exchange of prisoners, as well as on public utilities. Thus yesterday water supply in Slavyansk was restored.

The Ukrainian government is doing its part of the peace agreement. The onus is now on the separatists- and on Russia- to do theirs. We note the fact that on Wednesday the federal Council of Russia is to revoke a resolution authorizing military intervention in Ukraine. However, for the plan to succeed, more needs to be done. It is essential that Russia should disassociate itself clearly from the militant separatism in eastern Ukraine and call on the insurgents to lay down the arms.

Russia should ensure proper control of its borders with Ukraine and put an end to the flow into eastern Ukraine of Russian-made weaponry as well as Russian mercenaries and foreign fighters. Importantly, Russia's incendiary campaign of anti-Ukrainian propaganda and lies, which has been stoking militant insurgency in eastern Ukraine, must end.

Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are non-negotiable and must be respected by all. We reiterate our condemnation of the occupation of Crimea and stress that a forced redrawing of internationally recognised borders has no place in the 21st century. 

Mr. President,

Lithuania appreciates the work carried out by UNHRMM and the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in providing regular updates on the situation in Ukraine. We welcome the invitation by the Ukrainian government to extend the UN Human Rights monitoring mission for three more months. Impartial reporting on human rights violations and developments on the ground is key to avoiding manipulation of facts and to our ability to respond early and adequately to the emerging situation on the ground.

Ukraine's openness to international monitoring shows its constructive spirit and stands in stark contrast to the murky dealings of separatists who have done all they could to prevent reporting from the areas they hold captive. Let us not forget that the separatists are still holding eight OSCE observers. If their acceptance of the peace plan is to be trusted, they must release the international observers. We urge Russia to use its influence to secure the immediate release of these and other hostages held by the militant groups.

I thank you, Mr. President.