Statement by Ambassador at the UN Security Council
meeting on Ukraine.
Thank you, President and I also thank Mr Ebo for his briefing.
449 days into the Russian Federation’s illegal and full-scale
war. Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities, hospitals and
schools – its civilian infrastructure – killing and injuring
innocent families in their homes or forcing them to flee. Eight
million people are now displaced as a result of Russia’s attacks.
Last night, for the ninth time this month, Russia rained down
another barrage of missiles on Ukrainian cities with a blatant
disregard for human life. Russia is deploying more and more
powerful weapons.
Russia sources weapons for Putin’s illegal war from states such
as Iran and DPRK in blatant violation of relevant Security
Council resolutions. The UK calls on other states not to provide
Russia with military assistance.
President, we have repeatedly urged Russia to end the war,
withdraw and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial
integrity, to cease attacks against civilians and civilian
infrastructure, and withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Ukraine did
not want or provoke this war.
The Ukrainian people want peace, but they face a choice between
taking up arms in self-defence or annihilation. They have done so
in accordance with the UN Charter. We, therefore, support Ukraine
to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with
the UN Charter. We share Ukraine’s goal of securing peace in line
with the UN Charter.
As my Prime Minister has made clear, we will continue to respond
to Ukraine’s requests for the means to defend itself against
Russian aggression.
Last week we announced the provision of storm shadow missiles to
Ukraine.
We’ve also provided a range of air defence systems, including
AMRAAM anti-aircraft missiles. These defensive weapons can defeat
Russian cruise missiles to help Ukraine defend its skies and its
people from Russia’s indiscriminate attacks.
The Russian delegate also mentioned use of depleted uranium. The
British army has used depleted uranium in its armour-piercing
shells for decades. It is a standard component and has nothing to
do with nuclear weapons or capabilities. Russia knows this, but
is deliberately trying to disinform. So I want to be in no doubt
that we provide all our military support to Ukraine in accordance
with international law and with robust measures in place to
prevent its illicit transfer.
President, the cost of this war is felt around the world. Its
impact on food and commodity prices is severe. We welcome the
continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and call on Russia
not to hold up the movement of ships under the deal as a pressure
tactic.
As UN Member States, we want to focus on other priorities that
the world desperately needs us to work together on, such as
delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. Instead, Russia’s
war has made those goals harder to reach.
In conclusion, Madam President, I listened carefully to the
Russian delegation. They are trying to persuade the world not to
provide defensive support to Ukraine. The reason for this is
blindingly obvious.
They want to overrun the Ukrainian military as they have tried
and failed to do since February 2022. Why? Because they want to
conquer a sovereign country and annex its territory. That is why
the missiles are still falling on Kyiv.
Russia can end this war at any time by withdrawing its troops.
Until then, we will help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and
territorial integrity and uphold the principles of the UN
Charter.
