Thank you, Mr Chair.
I would like to express my gratitude to Germany for bringing this matter to our attention today.
The United Kingdom fully supports Germany in the wake of Russia’s reckless assault in Leipzig. We commend the German government for its swift and effective investigation, as well as its strong response to this incident. This attack represents yet another attempt by the Russian state to undermine our collective security, sow discord among allies, and weaken our commitment to Ukraine. However, such actions only serve to strengthen our unity and resolve in supporting Ukraine.
Heightened Russian Aggression
This incident is indicative of a broader pattern of Russian threats and hostile activities aimed at intimidating us and destabilising our democracies. Yet, Russia’s attempts to weaken our resolve will inevitably fail. We are united in our efforts, standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine, and remain committed to safeguarding our collective security. Our dedication to Ukraine’s sovereignty and the security of the Euro-Atlantic community remains steadfast.
Mr Chair,
When the UK last addressed this Council on the topic of countering hybrid threats in July, we noted that these threats were escalating and that the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) must give them greater political attention. The recent attack in Leipzig reinforces the importance of this need. The United Kingdom will continue to utilise this Council to shed light on Russia’s actions and uphold the principles of the Helsinki Final Act.
Commitment to Collective Security
Our commitment to standing firm against such aggression is resolute. The actions taken by Russia do not intimidate us; rather, they galvanise our collective response. We recognise that the security of one is the security of all, and in the face of these challenges, our alliances grow stronger. The solidarity displayed by member states in supporting Ukraine is a testament to our shared values and goals.
As we navigate these turbulent times, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive in addressing these threats. The situation in Leipzig serves as a clarion call for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to both the principles of democracy and the security frameworks that protect our nations.
Thank you.