Latvia’s president used the UN stage to deliver a forceful warning about Russia’s actions and the children still separated from their families.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said during the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York that Russia must be held accountable for occupying Ukrainian territories, deporting children, and deliberately striking civilians.
As reported by the online media outlet Ukrinform.
Russia is attacking Ukrainian civilians, schools, hospitals, homes, markets, and energy infrastructure. Drones are being used to hunt civilians. Human lives are being turned into targets in a safari. These are not political disagreements, but gross violations of international law. Where crimes are committed, there must be accountability.
– Edgars Rinkēvičs
According to Rinkēvičs, Russia itself can end the war, since it was the one that started it. To do so, Moscow must stop the attacks, withdraw its troops, and leave Ukraine’s sovereign territory. Latvia will continue calling for an immediate and complete ceasefire, as Ukraine deserves a just peace.
Rinkēvičs emphasized that Russian aggression violates the basic provisions of the UN Charter, including the principles of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the use of force.
Latvia will make every effort to return deported Ukrainian children
We will continue to make every possible effort to return Ukrainian children deported to Russia. They were taken from their families, communities, and country. We know of such crimes from the darkest pages of history. Today, it is happening again. These children must return home now.
– Edgars Rinkēvičs
The Latvian president also drew attention to Russia’s hybrid actions. These include violations of airspace, acts of sabotage and damage to critical infrastructure, cyberattacks, the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet, and the use of illegal migrants to exert pressure on Latvia’s border with Belarus.
In Rinkēvičs’s view, such actions pose a threat to international peace and security. Acts of sabotage, in particular, are aimed at spreading fear and instability among the population.
Rinkēvičs expressed support for reforming the UN within the framework of the UN80 initiative and expanding the Security Council. He believes that the composition of this body should reflect the modern structure of the world rather than the realities of 1945.
In 2026–2027, Latvia became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the first time and will hold its presidency in November. The country’s priorities include protecting the international order, responding clearly to violations of it, and representing the interests of small states.