61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Item 3 - Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.
Statement delivered by H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Mr. Margus Tsahkna on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
12 March 2026
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states. The leaders of our states visited Kyiv on 24 February, as an unwavering act of solidarity and support to Ukraine.
According to UN reporting, 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians in Ukraine since the start of Russia’s illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine. Alarmingly, this trend has continued into 2026.
Russia continues to demonstrate that they are not interested in peace, including by intensifying its targeted attacks against Ukraine’s energy and other civilian infrastructure.
We are deeply alarmed by the Commission’s conclusion that the deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children is carried out pursuant to a pre-established State policy coordinated at the highest levels. We remain committed to working relentlessly with all partners to ensure their safe return to their families.
Equally concerning are the findings about systematic violations of fair trial guarantees and the fabrication of evidence, including through torture and coercion.
We thank the Commission for its vital work in documenting all serious violations by Russian authorities. Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for violations of international law. We will actively work towards the rapid establishment of a comprehensive Compensation Mechanism, including a Fund, and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
We call on Russia to end its war of aggression against Ukraine, agree to a ceasefire immediately, and to respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
I thank you!