UK Chargé d'Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford condemns
Russia's intensification of attacks against Ukraine's cities
which provide further evidence that President Putin has no
interest in ending his illegal war.
"Thank you, Madam Chair.
Russia's illegal war against Ukraine has continued unabated since
our last regular Permanent Council meeting on 24 July. In
that time, the United States has led major diplomatic efforts to
find a route to peace. But regrettably, for now, the fundamentals
remain unchanged. Russia continues to violate every single
one of the Helsinki Final Act Decalogue principles, a fact that
many of us highlighted during the 50th anniversary events in
Helsinki. Russia continues to bombard Ukraine's cities and
to kill Ukrainian civilians. And Russia continues to dismiss the
hand of peace that Ukraine, the victim of Russia's aggression,
has extended.
At Tuesday's Special Permanent Council meeting many of us
condemned Russia's latest attacks on Ukrainian cities. These
included the heaviest bombardment of the war to
date. Attacks which damaged the offices of the British
Council, the EU Delegation and then the building which houses the
Ukrainian government in the heart of Kyiv.
There have been further barbaric attacks this week and an
egregious and unprecedented violation of Polish and NATO airspace
by Russian drones, on which we plan to speak in more detail later
in this meeting. The intensification of such attacks is a
deliberate action that undermines international efforts to secure
a just and lasting peace.
Colleagues, developments over the past six weeks have underscored
a fundamental truth: Ukraine seeks peace, while Russia remains
the principal blocker of negotiations. President Zelenskyy and
the Ukrainian government have repeatedly demonstrated their
commitment to peace, expressing readiness for a complete and
unconditional ceasefire and for direct talks. In contrast,
President Putin has refused to engage seriously with peace
efforts, dragging out negotiations while intensifying Russia's
military onslaught. Russia's so-called “peace proposals” are
nothing more than ultimatums which would be tantamount to
Ukraine's surrender – including the renunciation of its right to
choose its own security arrangements and alliances.
Ukraine is a sovereign country. Russia has no right to dictate
how or with whom Ukraine ensures its own security. The notion
that the aggressor should have a say over the victim's security
guarantees is preposterous. Such a demand would plainly undermine
Ukraine's sovereignty and would directly contravene the
principles that underpin this organisation.
The United Kingdom, together with our partners and in close
coordination with Ukraine, is steadfast in supporting Ukraine's
right to defend itself through robust, multi-layered security
guarantees. The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an
active role, including through the Multinational Force Ukraine,
which will be able to support the regeneration of Ukraine's own
armed forces, secure Ukraine's skies and support safer seas.
Madam Chair, the events of recent days have only reinforced the
urgent need to increase the pressure on Russia to come to the
table and engage seriously in peace talks.
The United Kingdom will remain unwavering in our support for
Ukraine's independence, right to defend itself and right to
choose its own future.
Thank you."
