UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, condemns Russia's
attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Russia's
nuclear rhetoric undermines global stability, and the UK calls
for renewed transparency and dialogue to prevent escalation.
"Madam Chair, the United Kingdom remains steadfast in our
commitment to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We
firmly believe that lasting peace must be pursued through
diplomacy and meaningful dialogue, dialogue that is anchored in
respect for international law, the sovereignty of states, and the
principles that guide this Organisation.
But let us be clear: recent actions by the Russian Federation
continue to obstruct that path. President Putin refuses to
participate in meaningful dialogue in good faith. Instead of
choosing de-escalation, Russia has intensified its military
campaign, most recently through two consecutive nights of deadly
aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities. These strikes hit civilian
infrastructure, energy facilities, residential buildings, and
claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including a 12-year-old
girl and a six-month-old baby in Kyiv. Earlier this week, Russian
airstrikes hit Kyiv and nine other regions, killing at least six
people, including two children, and injuring dozens more. The
attacks damaged thermal power plants and gas facilities, causing
widespread blackouts. In Kharkiv, a Russian drone strike hit a
kindergarten, killing one and injuring at least four others,
including children.
These are not isolated incidents. They reflect a deeply troubling
pattern. According to the September update from the UN Human
Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the number of civilian
casualties from January to September this year was 31% higher
than the same period last year. Russian long-range strikes using
missiles and loitering munitions reportedly caused nearly a third
of all civilian casualties, with Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro
frequently targeted.
The UK will continue to work with international partners,
including through the OSCE and the UN, to document violations,
support investigations, and ensure accountability for breaches of
international law, in particular those involving civilians and
children.
Madame Chair, the UK reaffirms its commitment to strategic
stability and the avoidance of unintended escalation,
particularly in the nuclear domain. In times of heightened
tension, transparent communication and adherence to arms control
frameworks are essential. The OSCE provides a vital platform for
dialogue, risk reduction, and confidence-building. Therefore, we
are deeply concerned by Russia's recent test of the Burevestnik
nuclear-powered cruise missile, which reportedly flew over
14,000km during a 15-hour flight on 21 Oct and was publicly
announced by President Putin on 26 Oct. The UK condemns such
actions, especially when conducted without transparency or prior
notification, as they risk undermining global stability,
increasing the potential for miscalculation.
In light of this increasingly reckless nuclear rhetoric, we must
ask: if Russia truly seeks peace, why does it continue to reject
meaningful dialogue through established mechanisms such as the
OSCE and the FSC?
We actively encourage all participating States to engage
constructively, uphold existing commitments, and avoid actions
that could lead to catastrophic miscalculation.
The weeks and months ahead will be decisive, not only for
Ukraine's future, but for the security of the UK, NATO, and our
global partners. This is not an ‘away fixture' for the UK; the
consequences of this war are felt at home and across our
alliances. The UK remains firmly committed to taking timely and
constructive steps to increase pressure on the Russian
Federation, with the objective of fostering conditions for a
peaceful resolution. We will continue to advocate for a solution
that is firmly rooted in international law and guided by the
principles of dialogue, transparency, and cooperation, principles
that underpin the OSCE and its institutions. Thank you, Madam
Chair."
