Thank you, Mr Chair.
The United Kingdom is committed to bringing an end to this conflict. However, achieving a cessation of hostilities that merely defers future crises is insufficient. The pathway to enduring stability and prosperity lies in establishing a fair and lasting peace. Anything less poses a risk of escalating insecurity for everyone involved.
Ukraine’s Commitment to Peace
Ukraine has clearly demonstrated its desire for peace. In response to a proposal for a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire put forth by the United States in 2025, Ukraine agreed without hesitation. More recently, when President Trump suggested a reciprocal ceasefire aimed at protecting energy infrastructure, President Zelenskyy responded positively, affirming Ukraine’s readiness to comply. In stark contrast, Russia has failed to reciprocate.
Instead, Russia has persisted in its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Reports from Ukraine indicate further strikes on energy facilities on 12 and 13 October, following the US announcement. This escalates a pattern of intensified assaults on critical infrastructure that supports civilian life, coupled with public threats from Russian officials to systematically target Ukraine’s energy systems.
The Human Toll of Conflict
The human cost of these actions is devastating. On 8 October, a Russian glide bomb struck two public buses, resulting in the deaths of 33 civilians. Just two days prior, a missile attack obliterated a residential building in Pryluky, located in the Chernihiv region, claiming 22 lives, including five children. In total, Russian airstrikes resulted in the deaths of over 150 Ukrainian civilians last week alone, marking one of the deadliest periods since 2022.
It is crucial to avoid any misleading comparisons in this matter. Ukraine is engaged in a legitimate defence against an illegal invasion, with military operations aimed at degrading the capabilities that facilitate this aggression. Nevertheless, Ukraine has shown a willingness to exercise restraint in pursuit of peace.
Russia’s Continued Aggression
Unfortunately, we have not observed the same willingness from Moscow. Russia continues its assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and has made it clear that Ukraine should expect no respite. This behaviour reflects a longstanding pattern of disregarding commitments and exploiting ambiguity in diplomatic engagements.
Thus, it is imperative that we alter Moscow’s calculations. It is essential that genuine engagement in negotiations becomes more appealing to the Kremlin than the continuation of its aggressive stance. This necessitates empowering Ukraine to defend itself effectively and diminishing Russia’s capacity to finance and sustain its war efforts. Consequently, the United Kingdom will persist in its support for Ukraine while simultaneously increasing economic pressure on Russia. My Prime Minister reiterated over the weekend that the UK is committed to strengthening sanctions and implementing additional measures to restrict Russia’s war capacity.
Defending Core Principles
Mr Chair, our statements within this Council reflect our actions. We stand firmly with Ukraine and actively work to limit Russia’s military capabilities. Here, in the OSCE, we articulate our rationale: the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolable borders, and the peaceful resolution of disputes are fundamental to the European security framework established in the Helsinki Final Act.
Our actions and declarations uphold these essential principles. Achieving a just and lasting peace necessitates their restoration.
Thank you, Mr Chair.