Nordic-Baltic Countries Demand Russia's Unconditional Withdrawal From Ukraine

(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the UN Heli Lehto made the statement on behalf of the eight countries at a UN General Assembly meeting on the situation in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

“We, the Nordic and Baltic states, call on Russia to immediately and fully fulfill its obligations under international law. We demand the immediate, full and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” the diplomat said.

Lehto stressed that respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is a prerequisite for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

She pointed to a sharp increase in Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in 2026. According to her, the number of civilian deaths and injuries is at its highest level since March 2022, while residents of the temporarily occupied territories continue to face constant and systematic repression.

“Independent UN investigators continue to report mass arbitrary detentions and widespread use of torture against civilians, people in detention and prisoners of war,” she said.

Lehto also cited reports of systematic sexual violence against Ukrainians held in Russian custody, as well as abuse of women and children in the occupied territories.

“Human rights organizations have documented the large-scale forcible transfer and unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. The Ukrainian authorities report deliberate efforts to destroy Ukrainian national identity in the occupied territories, including through militarization, indoctrination and the unlawful adoption of children,” Finland's representative said.

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Lehto recalled that an occupying administration is obliged to ensure humane treatment of the local population, meet their basic needs and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

“It is clear that Russia is clearly unwilling to fulfill these obligations,” she said.

The diplomat also reaffirmed the eight countries' commitment to holding Russia accountable for international crimes it has committed.

“We remain firmly committed to establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and continue to provide unwavering support for the work of the International Criminal Court,” Lehto concludedю

The diplomat delivered the joint statement on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Finland.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, the European Union will never recognize Ukraine's occupied territories as Russian and will continue to provide comprehensive assistance to Ukraine.

Photo via lithuaniatribune

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