Published on: 2026-09-25
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 25, 2026 UN
At the general political debates of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia warned that the international order based on the UN Charter is under serious pressure. They emphasized that sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the renunciation of the use of force, and respect for international law must remain the foundation of international security.
The central theme of the speeches was Russia’s war against Ukraine. Estonian President Alar Karis stated that merely condemning Russian aggression is not enough: it is necessary to increase its cost and to achieve Moscow’s return to the negotiating table. He also called for support for international mechanisms for investigating crimes and holding those responsible accountable. Latvian President Egils Levits demanded an immediate and complete ceasefire, saying: “Russia started this brutal war. Russia can end it.” Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda called Ukraine’s victory a condition for maintaining its sovereignty and trust in the UN Charter.
Baltic leaders also spoke about the consequences of the war beyond Ukraine. Karis warned that Russian strikes on Black Sea ports, commercial shipping, and grain infrastructure threaten global food security. Rinkevics mentioned in his speech the drone attacks, airspace violations, cyberattacks, and sabotage that Latvia faces. According to him, such hybrid threats are “as dangerous as conventional wars.”
Special attention was paid to UN reform. Karis noted that the organization needs more effective decision-making mechanisms, and the Security Council risks losing respect if it continues to remain paralyzed on issues related to crisis response. Rinkevics advocated for expanding the Council and broader representation within it, while Nausėda called for strengthening multilateral cooperation and the UN’s ability to respond to aggression and violations of international law.
The presidents of the Baltic countries also addressed other threats. Nausėda called for ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and supported resolving the conflict based on a two-state solution. Kāris also advocated for safe and unrestricted access for aid. The leaders spoke about the climate crisis and the risks associated with artificial intelligence: Nausėda called for international regulations on its responsible use, and Rinkēvičs reminded that the consequences of climate disasters “do not stop at national borders.”
All three presidents emphasized the need to protect people affected by the war. Karis and Rinkevichs demanded the return of children taken from Ukraine, and the President of Latvia also spoke about justice for those who survived sexual violence in the conflict. Concluding their speeches, the leaders called for strengthening the UN so that it can uphold international law and achieve tangible results in the areas of peace and security.
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