Thank you, Mr. President,
First of all, I would like to thank the Danish Presidency for convening this meeting and the Foreign Minister of Denmark for presiding it.
I thank United Nations Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and United Nations Under-Secretary-General Fletcher for their factual briefings.
I begin by wishing a Happy Independence Day to the brave Ukrainian people! You are an ancient nation with your own rich language and culture dating back many centuries to the traditions of the Kyivan Rus. And we know you will celebrate your independence proudly for many centuries to come.
Today, Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence are recognised by every country in the world.
Except one.
Twelve years and six months ago, Russia illegally invaded and occupied Ukraine’s regions of Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk. Russia violated its most sacred responsibilities as a permanent member of this Council.
It shattered the core principles of the UN Charter and broke the legally binding agreements it had with Ukraine, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
In 2014, Russia began a war of aggression that continues to this day.
During the past five Independence Day celebrations, Ukraine has been defending against a full-scale invasion. Defending its sovereign land, its freedom loving people and its right to determine its own future.
Dear colleagues, fellow Council members,
Russia is losing this war on the frontlines – no military gains, only mounting casualties.
And yet – instead of choosing peace, Russia continues to escalate.
Russia is escalating its war against Ukrainian civilians.
It has the blood of 68 300 Ukrainian civilians on its hands.
Entire families killed in their homes. People buying groceries and emergency workers shamelessly targeted in a double tap attack on a shopping mall.
20 610 children recorded as possibly deported and forcefully transferred by Russia in an attempt to destroy Ukraine's future.
Civilians targeted by drones as “human safari”.
Cities are deliberately deprived of heating and electricity.
Latvia calls on all peace-loving nations of the world to raise pressure and sanction Russia’s missile production ecosystem.
Mr. President,
Russia deliberately undermines global food security. It targets the UN humanitarian convoys, civilian cargo ships and vital Black Sea grain routes and ports. Leaving millions hungry and increasing food and energy prices for those most in need around the world.
Russia is exploiting socially vulnerable populations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Manipulating, coercing, and sending thousands of foreign nationals to die in an unwinnable war, oftentimes literally in a matter of minutes.
Governments across the world are raising alarm and issuing warnings for Russia to stop.
No son or daughter should have to die for the sake of Russia’s colonial war of conquest.
Russia is now also escalating its reckless and dangerous actions against neighboring countries. And issuing threats against those supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defence.
We stand united and take Russia’s threats and hybrid actions against us and our allies very seriously.
We must act together - and we must act with resolve - to stop this.
Let me be clear - Russia will be held accountable for all the crimes committed.
We urge all countries to support international accountability mechanisms, including the Special tribunal for the crime of aggression.
To ensure that those responsible for the crime of aggression are brought to justice.
Russia will not stop until it is stopped.
The time for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire is now.
Mr. President,
Let me end with the words of Gunārs Astra, a Latvian non-violent dissident and political prisoner, who spent 15 years in Soviet forced-labour camps and was arrested again by the KGB in 1983 for possessing George Orwell’s book 1984.
I quote: “I believe that this time will pass like an evil nightmare. This gives me strength to stand here and breathe. Our nation has suffered a lot and therefore has learned, and it will endure this dark time”.
Seven years after his testimony in court, Latvia’s nightmare of Soviet occupation ended.
Dear Ukrainian friends, this nightmare too will pass. You will prevail. We wish all Ukrainians peace, strength, and prosperity.
Razom do peremogi [together until victory] and beyond.
I thank you.