The debate became the third comprehensive discussion of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict within the UN General Assembly. Preliminary debates were held on 20 February 2019 and on 20 February 2020.

This year's debate has become noticeably longer than last year’s. 32 delegations took part in them and delivered speeches on behalf of 50 UN member states. The debate proved the solidarity of the international community with Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.

The vast majority of the UN Member States condemned Russia’s temporary occupation of Crimea, its violations of the Budapest Memorandum and the international law, called on the Russian side to abide by the Minsk Agreements.

In particular, statements were made by individual EU member states. The Republic of Finland issued the statement on behalf of Baltic and Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania.

The statement notes that the position of the Nordic and Baltic countries is firm, as they “are convinced that the respect for international law and a rules-based world order are fundamental for our common security and multilateral cooperation”.

The countries of the NB8 “stand by Ukraine and reconfirm our steadfast support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognised borders, including its territorial waters”. They “strongly condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including in eastern Ukraine, and the illegal annexation of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and are fully committed to the EU’s non-recognition policy, including restrictive measures”.

The countries “are deeply worried by the constantly deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Crimea”. They also expressed “grave concern regarding the continuing militarization of Crimea undermining the security in the Black Sea region”.

The Nordic and Baltic countries commended “Ukraine’s political will and constructive approach to finding ways to resolve the conflict” and urged Russia to act likewise. Russia’s key responsibility and commitments to political dialogue and implementation of the Minsk agreements have been emphasized.