Ambassador Holland highlights evidence that Russia has
intensified its attacks on Ukraine, causing severe harm to
civilians, infrastructure, trade and food security. The UK says
sustained support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia should lead
to serious negotiations and a just, lasting peace based on OSCE
principles.
"Thank you, Mr Chair.
The evidence from this summer is clear: Russia has intensified
its war against Ukraine, both in scale and in method, with
devastating consequences for Ukrainian civilians.
In July, Russia fired 460 missiles at Ukraine, including 195
ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Both were wartime monthly
records. In August, it fired more than 2,800 jet-powered drones,
another record. And July was also the deadliest month for
Ukrainian civilians since May 2022.
The breadth of the resulting harm is evident. On 21 August, a
double strike on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih killed 16 people
and injured 130. On 10 September, Russian drones struck near a
shopping centre in Pavlohrad, killing five civilians and injuring
67. Russian attacks have also damaged residential buildings and
critical infrastructure across several regions.
Last night was the latest example: Russia again subjected
Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, to another barrage of
missiles and drones. These attacks have left at least 16 people
injured though that figure may rise further - and damaged
residential accommodation and other civilian infrastructure.
Russia has intensified its attacks on transport and trade.
According to Ukrainian Railways, Russian strikes hit 40
locomotives in August alone. Sixty-two railway workers have been
killed on duty by Russian attacks since the full-scale invasion
began. On 13 September, a Russian drone struck the locomotive of
a Kyiv-Warsaw passenger train two kilometres from the Polish
border.
This pressure extends to Ukraine's border infrastructure. In
early September, Russian drones repeatedly struck crossings
linking Ukraine with Romania and Moldova. Such attacks disrupt
civilian movement and legitimate commerce. Their proximity to
other participating States also creates a serious risk of wider
escalation.
The same pattern is visible at sea. Russia has substantially
increased its attacks on Ukrainian civilian shipping and port
infrastructure in the Black Sea. These attacks threaten freedom
of navigation and impede exports of food and legitimate energy
products. Their effects extend beyond Ukraine, adding pressure to
international supply chains and global food security.
Russia's use of jet-powered drones adds another dimension. It has
increasingly launched them during the day, generating persistent
air alerts which disrupt normal economic activity and civilian
life. In the seven days from 27 August to 3 September, Kyiv
experienced 76 air-raid alerts, the highest rate recorded during
the war. Behind that statistic are repeated interruptions to
work, education, transport and family life. The burden falls
disproportionately on civilians.
This intensification of attacks does not demonstrate Russian
strength. Russia's territorial advances have slowed, while its
military and economy face mounting costs. Sustained support for
Ukraine and coordinated economic pressure are constraining
Russia's choices. We will maintain that pressure.
Our purpose is not pressure for its own sake. It is to persuade
Russia that serious negotiation offers a better course than a
prolonged and increasingly costly war. Russia should cease its
attacks, negotiate constructively and agree a just and lasting
peace.
The principles for that peace are set out in the Helsinki Final
Act: sovereignty, territorial integrity, the inviolability of
frontiers and the peaceful settlement of disputes. They remain
the agreed foundations of European security and at the heart of
any sustainable solution. Speaking up in their defence is the
reason that we are here. It is time for Russia to honour its
obligations.
Thank you, Mr Chair."
