The Foreign Secretary is due to meet with his Russian counterpart
for the first time today [22nd September] at the United Nations
in New York – condemning his country’s aggression in Ukraine.
In a special Foreign Minister-level Security Council meeting on
Ukraine, will reiterate, in front of
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the UK’s full and
unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and
territorial integrity.
At the meeting, the Foreign Secretary, will commit to working
with the international community to seek justice for the victims
of this conflict, and hold those responsible to account, ensuring
that Russia’s actions are not tolerated.
Speaking from the UK’s seat at the Security Council, Foreign
Secretary is expected to say:
“Ukrainians’ resilience and spirit of defiance, in defence of
their country, continues to inspire all free people and
nations.
“But every day, the devastating consequences of Russia’s
invasion become more clear and evidence of Russian atrocities
continues to mount…
“… We can and must make clear to President Putin that his
attacks on the sovereign will of the Ukrainian people - so
clearly expressed as they fight for their homes - must stop. His
assaults on the UN charter and international norms that protect
us will not be tolerated and that he must withdraw from Ukraine
to enable a return to regional and global stability.”
The Foreign Secretary will expose how Moscow plans to fix the
results of sham referendums across their temporarily controlled
territories, in a move designed to provide false legitimacy for
illegal land grabs.
After Vladimir Putin’s Presidential address this week, Cleverly
will also reveal evidence of Russian tactics used to subvert
Ukrainian democracy and rob Ukrainians of their homes and
identity.
Following on from the Prime Minister’s speech to the UN General
Assembly yesterday, the Foreign Secretary will set out the
importance of a Ukrainian victory, saying that their fight for
freedom is the world’s fight for freedom, because if Ukraine’s
sovereignty and territory are not respected, no country is
secure.
Later on Thursday, the Foreign Secretary will also attend a
meeting on delivering justice for Ukraine and holding Russia to
account for its egregious acts.
The meeting will feature Ukrainian Prosecutor General, Andriy
Kostin, and the International Criminal Court’s Chief Prosecutor
Karim Khan, who is leading the court’s investigation into the
situation in Ukraine.
Notes to Editors
-
Operational information: The UNSC meeting is
due to take place at 1000EST / 1500BST Thursday 22nd
September. There will be a livestream provided by the United
Nations – FCDO newsdesk will share the link tomorrow morning.
