UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says Russia’s attack in
Hroza was despicable, killing more than 50 people, but notes
Russia continues to blunder as it shoots down one of its own
fighter jets.
"Madam Chair, before I turn my attention to Ukraine, I would now
like to say a few words about the terrible events that unfolded
over the weekend in Israel. The UK strongly condemns Hamas’
appalling acts of terror against Israeli citizens, and we call
for an end to the attacks on Israel. Hamas’s indiscriminate use
of violence and the resulting civilian casualties is horrific.
The number of Israeli citizens killed has surpassed 1,200 and
continues to rise. The taking hostage of over one hundred Israeli
citizens is heinous. The UK stands steadfast in support of Israel
and its right to self-defence. Hamas does not represent the
legitimate aspirations of Palestinian people and offers them
nothing other than more terror and bloodshed. Hamas’ despicable
acts have also resulted in the deaths of over 830 Palestinians in
Gaza and at least 19 Palestinians in the West Bank.
Turning now to events in Ukraine, it has been two weeks since
this Forum last sat and during this period we have unfortunately
witnessed Russia continue its despicable attacks, causing the
death and destruction of Ukraine’s civilians and civilian
infrastructure. Russia conducted heavy shelling over the
weekend in Kherson and Donetsk resulting in several civilian
casualties. This comes after Russia’s missile strike in the
village of Hroza which killed more than 50 people, including an
8-year-old boy. Reporting estimates that Russia killed one in
five of the population of Hroza in one single event.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian people are resisting Russia’s unprovoked
attack with resolute conviction. While the fighting is hard
going, Ukraine continues to enjoy success on the battlefield.
Ukrainian headway in clearing Russia’s minefields and defensive
fortifications has taken time and cost many lives. But Ukraine
has made steady progress. Ukraine’s armed forces recaptured more
than half the territory Russia seized illegally in February 2022,
including Snake Island, Kharkiv and Kherson. Russia has been
unable to defend Bakhmut, the only gain in Russia’s winter
counter-offensive. And, since this Forum last met to discuss
Ukraine, Russia has committed further blunders, shooting down one
of its own Su-35 jets. In contrast, Ukraine’s armed forces have
shown bravery, ingenuity and determination in reclaiming their
land.
A critical aspect of Ukrainian success has been the sustained
pipeline of military aid that the United Kingdom and our partners
have provided to Ukraine. As a key member of the Ukraine Defence
Contact Group, the United Kingdom will continue in its military
support to Ukraine for as long as it takes. In a demonstration of
the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, the United
Kingdom has also committed £4.7 billion to non-military support.
Madam Chair, Russia continues to spend vast resources on its
self-destructive war. The longer Russia fights, the more Russia
loses, and the weaker Russia becomes. Russia has suffered almost
200,000 casualties and 50,000 fatalities. In spite of this,
Russia continues with this morally abhorrent campaign.
Declassified intelligence warned last month that the Russian
military had attempted a missile strike against a cargo ship in
the Black Sea. The UK declassified further intelligence last week
showing that Russia may continue targeting civilian shipping,
including by laying explosive devices in the approach to
Ukrainian ports. Once again civilians and civilian
infrastructure will bear the brunt.
As my Foreign Secretary said: “Russia’s pernicious targeting of
civilian shipping in the Black Sea demonstrates Putin’s total
disregard for civilian lives and the needs of the world’s most
vulnerable. The world is watching – and we see right
through Russia’s cynical attempts to lay blame on Ukraine for
Russia’s attacks. We and our allies stand united against Putin
and his attempts to harm Ukraine, and thus harm the rest of the
world.”
Madam Chair, as we have highlighted many times in this Forum, we
are presented with the clear situation of Russia, as a member of
this organisation, having ruthlessly invaded Ukraine without
provocation. We have also highlighted previously the multiple
civilian deaths following Russian strikes in Kremenchuk and
Kramatorsk. It is truly tragic, therefore, that we must now add
the name of Hroza to the list of events which display the very
depths of Russian depravity. In the face of these horrors,
Ukraine will continue to fight for as long as is necessary and
the United Kingdom will remain unwavering in its support. Thank
you."
