As of today, it has been 1,651 days since Russia initiated its unlawful full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an act that starkly violates international law. Furthermore, it marks twelve years since the illegal annexation of Crimea, a situation that continues to have severe ramifications.
Recent months have seen a dramatic escalation in Russia’s military aggression, with over 429 missiles launched into Ukraine in July alone, more than double the number from the previous month. This surge in hostilities has resulted in devastating consequences for Ukrainian civilians.
Since February 2022, nearly 17,000 Ukrainian civilians have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict, including 820 children. Additionally, more than 51,000 civilians have sustained injuries, among them 3,000 children. The human cost of this war is staggering and continues to rise.
Impact on Global Food Security
Before the onset of the 2022 invasion, Ukraine was a significant contributor to global food supplies, accounting for approximately 12% of corn exports, 10% of wheat, and a remarkable 50% of sunflower oil. However, the conflict has severely disrupted these exports, particularly due to Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian ports and civilian shipping routes.
This blockade of essential food supplies has not only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis within Ukraine but has also contributed to rising food prices worldwide, affecting nations as far afield as Africa and Asia. Tragically, this has resulted in the loss of lives among seafarers from various UN Member States.
Violation of International Principles
The actions undertaken by Russia constitute a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter, undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These principles are foundational to the UN and are binding on all Member States.
Since the invasion, Russia has unlawfully occupied Crimea and various regions, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. The tactics employed to consolidate control in these areas are marked by brutality, including the forced separation of families, the deportation and indoctrination of children, and the imposition of Russian citizenship on Ukrainians.
Ukrainian civic leaders have faced arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances, while communities have been left without access to basic necessities such as water and humanitarian aid. The cultural heritage of Ukraine is being systematically erased, with the suppression of its language further compounding the crisis.
Call for Action and Support for Ukraine
The ongoing occupation and illegal annexations by Russia have inflicted immense suffering on the Ukrainian population residing in these territories. Nonetheless, these actions cannot alter Ukraine’s sovereignty or redraw her borders.
Today, we implore all nations to uphold the UN Charter, to reject Russia’s unlawful claims, and to advocate for humanitarian access. It is essential to support efforts aimed at ensuring accountability, reuniting Ukrainian children with their families, and securing the release of civilians.
The United Kingdom stands firmly with Ukraine as it exercises its legitimate right to self-defence, as outlined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. Our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty remains unwavering, both today and for as long as necessary.
We endorse Ukraine’s call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, as well as a just and lasting peace. We urge Russia to embrace the same commitment to peace and resolution.