UN Marks Four Years of War in Ukraine, Calls for Accountability
Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations is marking the anniversary with high-level debates and renewed calls for an end to the conflict. The UN General Assembly recently passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, while the UN Chief urged the Security Council to utilize all available tools to achieve peace.
Latvian Foreign Minister Accuses Russia of Genocide
During a session at the UN, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs accused Russia of pursuing a genocidal policy against the Ukrainian people. Rinkēvičs cited reports confirming war crimes and atrocities committed by Russian forces, referencing the Convention on the Inadmissibility and Punishment of Genocide .
He pointed to statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2023, where Putin asserted that Russians and Ukrainians are “one people” and claimed ownership of all Ukrainian territory based on historical Russian military presence. Rinkēvičs argued that Russia’s actions, including the killing and inflicting harm on Ukrainian civilians, forcibly displacing populations, and destroying critical infrastructure, align with the definitions of genocide outlined in the convention.
Evidence of War Crimes and Human Rights Abuses
Rinkēvičs detailed specific offenses, citing UN reports that indicate a significant increase in attacks on Ukrainian civilians. He noted that Russia launched over 54,000 long-range drones and 1,900 missiles in the past year, resulting in a 31% increase in civilian casualties. Approximately ten million Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes, and millions more are under Russian occupation, facing suppression of their language, history, and culture.
The Latvian Foreign Minister also highlighted reports of mass war crimes, torture, and sexual violence perpetrated by the Russian army. UNICEF data indicates that over 3,200 children have been killed during the war, a 10% increase in the past year . He further accused Russia of deliberately creating living conditions designed to destroy the Ukrainian population, citing the targeting of civilian infrastructure during the winter months, leaving millions without essential services.
Forced Deportations and International Criminal Court Investigation
Rinkēvičs condemned the forced deportation of approximately 20,000 Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-controlled territory, describing it as a war crime. He referenced the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) indictment against Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights, regarding these deportations .
Broader Implications and International Support
Rinkēvičs emphasized that the Russian war poses a threat to global peace and security, causing a humanitarian disaster and impacting global food and energy security. He also noted the environmental damage and threats to maritime security posed by the “Russian shadow fleet.” He stated that Russia is supported in this war by Belarus, North Korean troops, and Iranian weapons.
He warned that Russia is attempting to recruit fighters from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, even resorting to coercion and racist abuse, citing a video of a Kenyan engineer forced to carry a landmine. Rinkēvičs concluded that the war is driven by Russia and Putin alone, and called for international pressure to hold Russia accountable.
Latvia supports the International Criminal Court, the Special Tribunal for the investigation of crimes of aggression, and the compensation mechanism, and urged all countries to vote in favor of the resolution submitted by Ukraine.
Ukraine and the United Nations
Ukraine was a founding member of the United Nations, joining in 1945 as the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic . Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine retained its seat at the UN. Andriy Melnyk currently serves as Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.