HRC - NB8 statement - Intersessional Interactive Dialogue on Ukraine
UN Human Rights Council
Intersessional Interactive Dialogue on Ukraine
16th December 2025
Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States
Chair,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
We thank the High Commissioner for the substantive briefing.
We welcome the international efforts and Ukraine’s firm commitment to find a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which cannot be negotiated without Ukraine. Any solution forward must fully respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Russia continues its ruthless attacks against civilians and civilian objects, including infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, kindergartens and energy facilities, demonstrating unwillingness to seek peace. Russia’s massive human rights violations speak louder than words.
We welcome the progress in the exchange of prisoners of war. Yet, we are gravely concerned about the reports of systematic torture and executions of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. We are firmly committed to ensure full accountability.
Once again, we demand Russia to ensure the immediate and safe return of unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred Ukrainian children in accordance with international law.
Russia’s war of aggression is a manifest violation of the UN Charter. We stand by the Charter, and we will continue to stand with Ukraine as long as it takes.
Thank you.