Following Russia’s announcement that it would conduct a military
campaign in Ukraine, Foreign Secretary has issued a statement.
Foreign Secretary said:
Russia’s assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack
against a sovereign democratic state. The UK and our
international partners stand united in condemning the Russian
government’s reprehensible actions, which are an egregious
violation of international law and the UN Charter.
Over recent weeks, the Russian government have repeatedly denied
their hostile intent towards Ukraine. At the same time, they have
massed troops, launched cyber-attacks, and staged false pretexts
and provocations. Today, the Russian government has shown that it
was never serious about engaging in diplomacy – focussed only on
deceit and furthering their territorial ambitions.
We are urgently convening discussions with our allies and
partners to coordinate our response. Together we will hold the
Russian government to account.
We have always been clear there would be massive consequences and
a severe cost for any Russian military incursion into Ukraine. As
a result of their actions, we will today launch an unprecedented
package of further sanctions that we have developed with our
international partners.
To ensure the security and defence of all our Allies, we will
continue to work together to make sure that Russia cannot further
undermine European stability.
We will continue to support the Ukrainian government in the face
of this assault on their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The UK and the international community stand against this naked
aggression, and for freedom, democracy, and the sovereignty of
nations around the world. We hold the people of Ukraine in our
hearts and minds at this terrible moment in their nation’s
history.
