Politico-Military Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, condemns Russia's
continued violations of international law and OSCE principles in
Ukraine. Solidarity with Ukraine and calls for Russia to end its
illegal war, and engage seriously in negotiations for a just
peace, are based on OSCE commitments.
"Thank you, Madam Chair.
Russia continues to use this Forum to conceal, justify and
distract from the basic facts of its illegal invasion of Ukraine.
No amount of false narratives or deflection tactics can change
those facts.
Russia has invaded a sovereign neighbour, attempted to annex its
territory, and continues to attack civilians and civilian
infrastructure across Ukraine. Independent UN and OSCE reporting
has documented systematic and widespread attacks on residential
areas, energy and transport networks, and other objects
indispensable to the survival of the civilian population.
Russia has repeatedly rejected calls for an immediate ceasefire
that would create conditions for a just peace. It has not
seriously engaged in US-led negotiations. Instead, it has set out
ultra maximalist demands that would amount to Ukraine's
surrender, and that are incompatible with OSCE principles.
At the same time, Russia has coupled its continued military
escalation with irresponsible rhetoric and actions, including on
nuclear rhetoric. Far from contributing to risk reduction, these
choices increase the danger of miscalculation and further
undermine confidence and security in the OSCE area.
Madam Chair, these actions are in clear breach of the Helsinki
Decalogue. Russia's invasion, attempted annexations and hybrid
activity, ranging from physical and cyber attacks to information
warfare, violate core principles of the OSCE. These include
sovereignty, territorial integrity, the inviolability of
frontiers, the non‑use or threat of force, peaceful settlement of
disputes and non‑intervention in the internal affairs of other
States.
In determining our collective response, the Code of Conduct on
Politico‑Military Aspects of Security could not be clearer.
Paragraph 1 affirms that implementation in good faith of all
commitments is of “fundamental importance for stability and
security” and that such implementation “constitute[s] a matter of
direct and legitimate concern” to all participating States. The
Code further commits us to “act in solidarity” and to facilitate
“concerted responses” when OSCE norms and commitments are
violated.
In line with these commitments, the United Kingdom will continue
to act in solidarity with Ukraine while Russia persists in its
breaches of OSCE norms and commitments. We will support Ukraine's
inherent right to self‑defence, and its efforts to achieve a just
and lasting peace based on the UN Charter and the Helsinki
principles.
We therefore once again call on the Russian Federation to end its
illegal war of aggression, cease all attacks against civilians
and civilian infrastructure, withdraw its forces fully and
unconditionally from the entire territory of Ukraine within its
internationally recognised borders, and engage in genuine
negotiations towards a just and lasting peace.
Thank you, Madam Chair."
