Thank you for the opportunity to address this assembly. I would like to express my gratitude to Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her insightful briefing. At the outset, I want to convey a clear message to Foreign Minister Sybiha Andrii: the United Kingdom unequivocally supports Ukraine and its citizens, and we pledge to stand by you for as long as necessary. Over four and a half years have passed since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and we must recognise the reality of our situation. We find ourselves here due to the deliberate actions taken by Russia. Russia opted for an illegal, unprovoked invasion. Russia has chosen to escalate its aggression and has continuously rejected all efforts aimed at achieving peace. It is crucial that we remain fully aware of what is at stake, as Russia’s aggression represents not merely an attack on Ukraine, but an affront to the fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter. This is an assault on us all.
The sham elections conducted in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories are the latest manifestation of this blatant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty. For the sake of all nations, we cannot condone the alteration of borders through force, nor can we accept a world where aggressors can trample upon the sovereignty of others. As has been articulated by others, no nation represented in this chamber is immune to the repercussions of this ongoing conflict. The war waged by Russia has a detrimental impact on our populations at home, while Russian attacks on Black Sea ports and merchant shipping jeopardise global food security. As my Danish colleague highlighted, Russia continues to engage in reckless hybrid tactics, exemplified recently by the outrageous attack on Leipzig Airport.
Commitment to Defence and Peace
Let me be unequivocal: the United Kingdom, along with Europe and NATO, does not seek conflict with Russia. NATO remains, and will always be, a defensive alliance. Nevertheless, we will persist in denouncing and countering Russia’s hostile actions, regardless of their nature. This stance applies equally to Russian aggression against Ukraine and to the unacceptable and intensifying hybrid threats posed by Russia across Europe.
President, Russia has the option to choose a different path today: to agree to a ceasefire, engage in negotiations, and commence the rebuilding of a relationship grounded in respect for sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter. Regrettably, that is not the course that Russia has chosen.
This summer, we witnessed an unprecedented number of ballistic missiles and drones launched by Russia against Ukrainian cities, resulting in civilian casualties tragically reaching their highest levels since 2022. We gather here, mindful of the Ukrainian civilians who face the prospect of enduring yet another harsh winter, characterised by anxiety and the threat of missile and drone attacks. This will be another winter during which Russia targets energy and infrastructure, aiming to plunge Ukraine into darkness and cold. Russia’s own defence ministry has even suggested a strategy to make Ukraine “freeze,” which reveals its intentions in this very forum.
Calls for a Just Peace
We cannot simply turn a blind eye to these barbaric and illegal tactics. Ukraine has consistently called for peace, proposing a ceasefire and engaging constructively with US-led initiatives. The prerequisites for credible negotiations remain clear: a full and unconditional ceasefire, respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, and robust security arrangements.
President, we will continue to support Ukraine through the challenges of the coming winter and beyond. We will intensify economic pressure on Russia and advocate for meaningful diplomacy to achieve a just and lasting peace. In conclusion, I would like to address the Russian representative directly, as the Foreign Minister will take the floor later. I have personal insights into the devastation wrought by war in Europe, as my parents were refugees from Poland and Belgium during the Second World War. We lost countless family members. Today, war has returned to Europe, marking the worst conflict since that era, with innocent civilians losing their lives. And why? Because Russia chose to initiate this unjustifiable, unprovoked, and illegal conflict. Even if moral arguments do not resonate with the Russian government, the stark reality should. It is evident that Russia is faltering in this war.
Facing the Reality of Failure
Four years ago, President Putin aimed to obliterate Ukraine’s independence, yet Ukraine’s resolve has proven to be steadfast. Four years ago, he anticipated that Ukraine’s allies would falter, but our support remains unwavering. Four years ago, he believed that time would be on Russia’s side, yet Russia’s advances have effectively stalled, with casualties among Russian military personnel exceeding 1.5 million. Furthermore, Russia’s economy is suffering as the consequences of Putin’s decisions accumulate and sanctions deprive the Kremlin’s war machine of essential revenues.
To the Russian representative, it is time for ministers to convey the truth to President Putin. The world is acutely aware of Russia’s failures in this conflict. The Russian populace can sense it, and ministers are fully aware as well. They should urge President Putin to put an end to the bloodshed.
Let me reiterate this truth: the United Kingdom’s commitment to Ukraine will not waver. The commitment of our allies will remain steadfast. We stand with Ukraine now and will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.