60^th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Item 10 Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the situation of human rights in Ukraine

3 October 2025

Joint statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States –

Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden

delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia

H.E. Ms Baiba Braže

I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.

Despite efforts by the United States, Ukraine, as well as European and other countries to end Russia’s brutal war of aggression, there is not a single indicator that Russia is genuinely interested in peace. Russia is mocking international peace efforts – while cynically talking about peace, it continues its aggression.

Russia continues to blatantly violate the UN Charter, international human rights law and international humanitarian law. According to the Commission of Inquiry, Russia has committed war crimes, some of which may amount to crimes against humanity. Russia’s relentless daily aerial bombing, missile and drone attacks continue to kill and injure innocent Ukrainians and to destroy infrastructure.

The daily playbook of Russia’s imperial, colonial war includes arbitrary detentions, torture, executions, rape and sexual violence. Civilian casualties are reaching new records.

Accountability is not optional. Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine, for all crimes committed, including for the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, their illegal adoption, militarization and indoctrination. Russia must immediately ensure their safe return to Ukraine.

We urge countries to increase support for Ukraine.  It is our common interest that the rules-based international order and international law is upheld. International law is clear: there can be no fruits of aggression.