Ambassador Holland calls out Russia's latest tactics to frustrate
efforts to end its war in Ukraine while trying to convince the
world it is serious about peace. He confirms that the Kremlin's
delay tactics will only redouble the UK's resolve to support
Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace.
"Thank you, Mister Chair. The UK welcomes the second round
of bilateral negotiations that took place earlier this week in
Istanbul. We thank Türkiye for again hosting the
discussions and the United States for creating the momentum that
got everybody to this point. The agreement to a further
large-scale prisoner exchange and the return of fallen soldiers
is a further step towards building confidence.
We regret, however, that Russia limited the progress that could
be made at Monday's talks by refusing to send, in advance, the
memorandum setting out its position on ending this illegal
war. The memorandum, when it arrived, revealed no movement
away from the maximalist terms that we have all heard
before. We also regret that the Kremlin continues to reject
a complete, unconditional and immediate 30-day ceasefire.
This is consistent with the tactics that Russia has employed for
weeks over peace talks: to draw out the process and refuse to
engage in a meaningful way; all while trying to convince the
world that it is serious about peace. We see it in this
Council and at the United Nations where Russia makes nonsensical
claims. Among these is the allegation that those who
materially support Ukraine's sovereign right to defend itself
from unprovoked aggression, are undermining peace efforts.
Nobody in this room is fooled; we know who started this war, and
we know who is resisting efforts to end it. The UK is
committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Delay tactics from the Kremlin will only redouble our resolve to
help Ukraine defend itself and to use our sanctions to restrict
Russia's war machine.
Thank you."
