Ian Stubbs says that giving Ukraine the support it needs to push
Russia out of its sovereign territory is the swiftest and only
path to peace.
"Thank you, Mr Chair. A year ago, Russia continued to mass
extraordinary levels of military forces along Ukraine’s borders
and in illegally annexed Crimea. In just one week it had
increased the number of Battalion Tactical Groups (BTGs) deployed
in the vicinity of Ukraine’s borders from 60 to over 80. Russia
had amassed in excess of 100,000 troops in what was the biggest
military build-up in Europe since the Cold War.
Against this backdrop, we saw extensive diplomatic efforts to
resolve the unprecedented tensions in the region. In this and
other Forums, we repeatedly warned that any Russian military
incursion into Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake. We
were clear that the only way forward was to pursue a path of
diplomacy and that immediate de-escalation by Russia was needed
for successful dialogue.
However, it was apparent that Russia had no interest in diplomacy
or dialogue - only in lies and falsehoods. Exactly a year ago,
our Russian colleague lauded this Forum as the “only pan-European
structure responsible for politico-military stability in Europe”;
claimed that Russia’s “priority lies in negotiations”; and stated
“practical action, not theoretical reflections” were needed.
Despite these assertions, in an act of clear hypocrisy, our
Russian colleague proceeded to walk out of this Chamber and away
from much needed dialogue.
In contrast, that week, colleagues in this room did take
“practical action” by using the Vienna
Document Risk Reduction Mechanism to seek explanations from
Belarus, and then Russia, for the extraordinary levels of
military forces massing on Ukraine’s borders. Russia refused to
engage with the mechanism. A move that demonstrated Russia’s
contempt for the OSCE and deliberate disregard for established
OSCE commitments, drawing overwhelming condemnation from the
majority of participating States.
Mr Chair, the actions of the Russian Delegation a year ago
confirmed their collusion in Putin’s decision to conduct his
barbaric invasion and so set Russia and its people on a path of
destruction and isolation. At a time when diplomacy, dialogue and
engagement were in desperate need, our Russian colleagues turned
their back on the very structures and commitments designed to
avert escalation, reduce military tension, and build regional
stability.
A year later, we have seen no change in our Russian colleague’s
approach, with weekly walkouts now a tired expression of his
contempt for this Forum. Seemingly, the Russian Delegation’s only
interest in the Forum for Security Cooperation (FSC) is to
proliferate the lies, disinformation and propaganda they peddle
to their own population.
Try as they might to portray Putin’s unprovoked and illegal
invasion of Ukraine as something honourable and heroic; the truth
is becoming increasingly apparent to the Russian people – Putin
made a grave miscalculation when he chose to invade a sovereign
neighbour.
The persistent and institutional poor decision-making by the
Kremlin has compounded a failed strategy, with terrible
consequences on and off the battlefield. First, the so-called
“partial mobilisation” – a desperate attempt to turn the tide of
the war by sacrificing ordinary Russian people. Now, Wagner
recruited convicts are enduring a horrifically high death toll in
attritional wave attacks in eastern Ukraine. Next, with numbers
of recruited convicts depleted, Putin is amassing more mobilised
Russians in eastern Ukraine. Thousands of Russians –poorly
trained, poorly equipped and poorly led - continue to be
sacrificed by a frustrated Russian military leadership scrambling
to provide numbers in place of trained fighters and effective
leadership for Putin’s horrific war of choice.
Mr Chair, in the face of Russia’s authoritarian actions, we must
all recognise that giving Ukraine the support it needs to defend
itself and push Russia out of its sovereign territory is the
swiftest and only path to a just and sustainable peace. That is
why today, during President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK, my Prime
Minister will announce plans to expand training
for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to the sea and air, as part
of long-term investment in their military to ensure Ukraine is
able to defend its interests in the years to come.
This includes offering to bolster the UK’s training offer for
Ukrainian troops, including expanding it to fighter jet pilots to
ensure Ukraine can defend its skies well into the future. And
also includes offering to begin an immediate training programme
for marines. We do not underestimate the continuing threat posed
by the Russian Federation but, Putin and his military leadership
should not underestimate our determination and will to support
our Ukrainian friends as they fight to liberate their homeland.
We are committed to not just provide military equipment for the
short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder
with Ukraine for years to come. Ukraine’s sovereignty,
territorial integrity, and independence will be fully restored.
Thank you."
