News

Statement by the Republic of Lithuania on behalf of the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania at the UN Security Council meeting “Threats to international peace and security. Humanitarian situation in Ukraine” on Tuesday, 31 October 2023. 

President, 

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. We align with the statement of the European Union. I also express our gratitude to the Brazilian presidency for granting us this opportunity and extend our thanks to the briefers of this meeting.

As Russia's illegal and unjustified war in Ukraine continues, the tragic consequences persist. The Ukrainian people continue to endure the loss of loved ones, widespread destruction, suffering, trauma, and economic hardship. Thousands of lives have been lost or forever altered, and millions remain internally displaced or seek refuge beyond Ukraine's borders.

In recent months, civilian populations and infrastructure across Ukraine have faced relentless and indiscriminate attacks, with regions like Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Lviv, Sumy, Donetsk, Odesa, Kyiv, and others bearing the brunt of the assault.

We strongly condemn Russia's deplorable acts against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. The latest reports by OHCHR and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine highlighted the continuation of systematic violations committed by Russia against innocent civilians, including torture and sexual violence. Intentional attacks on civilians are a clear violation of international law and amount to war crimes. Those responsible for these atrocities must be held accountable, and we fully support ongoing efforts in this regard, including cases at the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice.

As winter approaches, we are concerned about possible further deterioration of the humanitarian situation, posing additional challenges and risks to those already facing harsh conditions. Last winter, Russia deliberately targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure and heating plants, leaving millions without heat, electricity, and clean water. We have already seen attacks targeting energy supplies this winter, reflecting Russia’ s continuing pattern of deliberately endangering the lives and well-being of millions of civilians.

With another winter season on the horizon, we thank the UN for issuing a revised Winter Response Plan, providing winter assistance to over 1.7 million people in Ukraine. We encourage all donors to respond to the plan. We condemn Russia’s continued attacks against humanitarian workers and the denial of humanitarian access by the Russian Federation to the civilians in temporarily occupied territories.

Children bear the brunt of the conflict's impact, including the destruction of schools, displacement, and traumatic experiences. Over 19,000 children have fallen victim to forcible transfers and deportations, planned and implemented by the top leadership of the Russian Federation. Ukrainian children are stripped of their Ukrainian citizenship and put up for adoption into Russia families. This constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity that could also amount to the crime of genocide.

Mounting evidence points to Belarus systematically abducting Ukrainian children from occupied regions. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the extent of the Belarusian regime's involvement, but current data supports an additional ICC warrant for Lukashenka's arrest.

Russia's aggression disproportionately affects women and girls, with reports of torture and sexual violence that also amount to war crimes. It is essential that the victims receive comprehensive support services, including sexual and reproductive health services, justice and redress.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as of October 8, there have been 27,768 recorded civilian casualties in Ukraine, including the tragic deaths of 560 children. The actual toll is likely even higher, with intensified hostilities causing thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

We continue to respond to humanitarian needs in Ukraine, including through winterization support, energy equipment and support for demining.

In terms of government support for Ukraine, both through direct bilateral aid and EU expenditures, the Baltic states rank among the top five donors in terms of GDP proportion. Our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering, and we stand ready to provide support for as long as it is needed.

Russia's war in Ukraine has wide-reaching effects, damaging port infrastructure and grain storage facilities, impacting Black Sea merchant shipping and global market stability. The Baltic states are active participants in the EU Solidarity Lanes, supporting global food security. We commend Ukraine for its efforts to export grain via maritime routes and strongly deplore Russia's attempts to disrupt this vital flow. We continue to support global food security, including through the World Food Programme.

Recent discussions in Malta have centered around President Zelensky's 10-point Peace Formula.  He said that “The world has seen too much blood" and that he longed for a day when human history "is the history of peace only”.

We share the hope for a world where peace prevails, and achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace entails full accountability for Russia's and its leadership’s actions. We advocate for the establishment of a Special International Tribunal to ensure justice for Ukrainians and the broader international community.

Thank you.