Nordic-Baltic joint statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine

Mr. Chairman,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the eight Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Lithuania. We align ourselves with the Statement of the “26 European Union member states”.

Today, as we honour the memory of the victims of Bucha massacre, Russia’s war of aggression continues to cause unspeakable suffering for the Ukrainian people despite all efforts by the international community to stop this illegal and brutal war.

Ukraine has repeatedly expressed its unwavering commitment to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. To this end, Ukraine has demonstrated readiness for a full ceasefire. In response, Russia has not taken any credible steps towards accepting the ceasefire and only keeps on raising its demands, while committing grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including against Ukrainian civilians. If Russia is serious about reaching peace, it would cease its attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, withdraw its armed forces from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine and implement relevant UN resolutions and its international obligations and OSCE commitments.

The most recent large-scale missile and drone attacks perpetrated by Russia further indicate that its goals in Ukraine remain unchanged. The ongoing killing and destruction continue unabated. Russia also continues restricting humanitarian access and the delivery of life-saving aid to those most affected. Enforced disappearances and torture committed by Russian authorities are widespread and was confirmed most recently by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine to bear all signs of a coordinated state policy.

Putin’s latest decree forcing Ukrainians in Russia or temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to leave or to receive Russian documents by September 10 is yet another example of Russia’s ongoing policy of russification and forced assimilation which appears aimed at erasing Ukrainian identity and undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Mr. Chairman,

The Russian Federation continues to disregard its obligations under international law, including the UN Charter, IHL, and the Geneva Conventions, as well as OSCE principles and commitments, in pursuit of its war of aggression. We reiterate the urgent need for full accountability for all violations of international law, including any war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression committed in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. We continue to support efforts toward the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, which should have broad international support and be capable of ensuring individual criminal responsibility for those most responsible for the planning, preparation, initiation, or execution of the crime of aggression. This March, the Core Group consisting of senior legal experts of Ukraine, 37 States, the EU and the Council of Europe, have marked a significant step towards ensuring full accountability by finalizing the technical work on three draft documents necessary for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine that will now be submitted for political consideration.

Impunity leads to repeated crimes. This must stop. No one from Russia's highest political and military leadership is untouchable. Accountability also forms a necessary and integral part of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. That is the message that the tribunal should send.

The Nordic-Baltic States stand by Ukraine and support efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the international law, including the UN Charter and in full respect of OSCE principles and commitments. 

I thank you.