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National Statement of the Republic of Lithuania delivered by Permanent Representative to the United Nations H.E. Mr. Rytis Paulauskas at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

Mr/Madam President, Excellencies,

We are entering the fifth year of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, and the thirteenth year since the illegal annexation of Crimea.

This war is not only a tragedy for Ukraine and its people — it is a direct assault on the foundations of international peace and security. The scale of documented Russian war crimes and crimes against humanity speaks for itself: cities razed, civilians deliberately targeted, millions displaced, critical infrastructure systematically destroyed.

Let us be clear: this is a war of choice, driven by calculated imperial ambition. Human lives are treated as collateral damage in Russia’s pursuit of power — by a Permanent Member of this Council, entrusted with upholding the very Charter it now violates.

The forced deportation, indoctrination, and militarization of Ukrainian children, combined with systematic attacks on civilians and widespread atrocities, point to patterns of conduct that raise profound concerns about genocidal intent. These crimes demand accountability.

Excellencies,

Russia’s aggression does not stop at Ukraine’s borders. Lithuania and other countries face escalating hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks, disinformation, sabotage against critical infrastructure, airspace violations, and the instrumentalization of migration. These are not isolated incidents. They are coordinated elements of a broader strategy to destabilize our region, intimidate democracies, and fracture international resolve to support Ukraine.

We are working together in NATO and the EU to identify and to respond to hybrid threats. In this regard, I would like to use this opportunity to call on this Council to take these activities into consideration and address Russia’s escalating behaviour.

Russia does not act alone. Belarus, the DPRK, Iran and other authoritarian actors actively enable this war through weapons transfers, military cooperation, technology support and sanctions circumvention. This network of enablers is expanding the conflict’s geopolitical reach and undermining global stability.

The UN Charter is unequivocal. Sovereignty. Territorial integrity. The prohibition of the use of force. These are not optional principles. Yet Russia continues to violate them — while disregarding this Council’s own decisions, including resolution 2774 demanding the cessation of hostilities.

Colleagues,

We have said it for four years and we say it again today: Russia must stop.

Ukraine has demonstrated its readiness for a just and lasting peace. We support calls for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful negotiations, including diplomatic efforts advanced by the United States and its leadership, notably President Donald Trump, aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace consistent with the UN Charter and General Assembly decisions.

But peace cannot be imposed through aggression. Any future agreement must fully respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders — and guarantee its ability to defend itself.

All members of this Council bear responsibility. Resolution 2774 must be implemented. The killing must end.

And let us be equally clear: there can be no sustainable peace without justice. Accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine is not optional — it is essential.

We will continue to stand with Ukraine. We will continue to strengthen security guarantees. And we will continue to defend the principles of the Charter against those who seek to dismantle them.

I thank you.