Joint Nordic-Baltic Statement at the UN General Assembly Plenary Meeting on the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine
Read the Joint Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by H.E. Ms. Heli Lehto, Chargé d'Affaires, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations, at the UN General Assembly Plenary Meeting on the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, on Sep 1, 2026.
Madam President, distinguished colleagues,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden – and my own country, Finland.
On August 24, we commemorated 35 years of Ukrainian independence. That independence was endorsed overwhelmingly by the Ukrainian people in 1991. It was also recognized by the international community, including the Russian Federation, who thereby acknowledged Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s continued war of aggression and its deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. According to international law, Ukraine’s right to territorial integrity remains unequivocal. Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Crimea remain part of Ukraine. Yet most of these territories are now under unlawful occupation by Russian Federation.
Madam President,
Russian attacks on civilians and civilian objects have been increasing dramatically in 2026. Attacks on humanitarian workers, facilities, and objects, and civilian infrastructure have also intensified, and the number of civilian casualties is the highest since March 2022. The situation of civilians in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine is particularly alarming, as they are exposed to continuous and systematic repression.
The people in the temporarily Russian occupied territories of Ukraine are in an extremely vulnerable position. Grave international human rights law and international humanitarian law violations against Ukrainians have been reported in growing numbers particularly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
United Nations independent investigators have continued to report mass arbitrary detentions and widespread torture of both civilians, detainees and prisoners of war. International reports and media have further drawn attention to systematic sexual violence against Ukrainians held in Russian detention, as well as abuses against women and children in the occupied territories. Human rights organizations have documented large-scale forced transfer and unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children, and Ukrainian authorities have reported methodical efforts to eradicate Ukrainian national identity in occupied areas, including through militarization, indoctrination, and illegal adoption of children.
In addition to these alarming findings, an estimated one million people in the occupied territories of Ukraine need humanitarian assistance, while humanitarian access continues to be severely restricted by Russia. We call on Russia to provide unimpeded access to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine for the United Nations, international monitors, and humanitarian organizations.
The Nordic and Baltic states reaffirm our commitment to ensuring accountability for international crimes and other violations of international law committed in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We remain firmly committed to the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and continue our steadfast support for the efforts of the International Criminal Court.
Madam President,
The reality on the ground in the occupied Ukrainian territories is in stark contrast with the obligations placed on states under international humanitarian law. The occupying power is obliged to ensure the humane treatment and the basic needs of the local population and to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches civilians whose essential needs are not otherwise met. It is clear that Russia is not striving to fulfil these obligations.
We, the Nordic and Baltic states, call on Russia to immediately and fully comply with its obligations under international law.
And finally, Madam President, we demand an immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is a precondition for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Respect for internationally recognised borders is a cornerstone of international law and an indispensable condition for peace and security. Our support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders remains unwavering.
I thank you.