Ambassador Neil Holland says that Russia is attacking Ukrainian
ports and critical national infrastructure in an attempt to
strangle the Ukrainian economy and deprive Ukraine of
electricity, heat and water.
"Thank you, Mr Chair. Last week a Russian missile struck a
civilian ship entering the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa. A
43-year-old harbour pilot was killed, while three Filipino
crewmembers and a port worker were injured. Once again, the UK
condemns Russia’s unprovoked attacks on Ukraine’s port and grain
infrastructure. Such attacks achieve nothing but destruction and
devastation.
Since Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in
July, Russia has conducted hundreds of such strikes against
Ukraine’s ports. This targeted and relentless campaign of air
strikes is not an unfortunate consequence of war; it is a clear
attempt by Russia to strangle the Ukrainian economy and prevent
Ukraine from exporting its grain, which is crucial to global food
security. These attacks on the world’s food supply show the
maliciousness of Russia’s intent, where they are willing to use
food as a weapon of war. However, Russia’s attempts to hinder
Ukraine’s exports will not succeed. We continue to work with
Ukraine and our partners to ensure Ukraine is able to export its
grain, including through the Danube and Ukraine’s humanitarian
corridor.
Mr Chair, not only is Russia continuing its targeting of
Ukraine’s ports, but as we anticipated, and with temperatures
falling, Russian strikes on other areas of Ukraine’s critical
infrastructure have also intensified. Russia is repeating its
strategy from last winter to instil terror, break resolve and
deprive Ukrainians of electricity, heat, water, and vital medical
services. Without these necessities life becomes unsustainable.
However, last winter, Russia failed to shutdown Ukraine’s power
grid, and with the continued support of UK and international
partners, Ukraine can prove resilient once again.
Over the last year, the UK has provided over 1000 generators and
solar power units to help the Ukrainian people avoid dangerous
blackouts and freezing conditions this winter. My Prime Minister
announced at the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in
Granada last month, an additional £10 million fund for winter
resilience and recovery in Ukraine. The UK also provided a £92
million air defence package, which has strengthened Ukraine’s
ability to protect its critical national infrastructure.
The UK is also proud to play a major role in contributing to
Ukraine’s energy security, by supporting the supply of vital fuel
for Ukraine’s nuclear power plants through a £192 million UK
Export Finance loan guarantee. This will strengthen Ukraine’s
energy security both in the short term, to enable Ukraine to
endure immediate Russian attacks, and in the long term, to secure
Ukraine’s independence from Russian nuclear fuel.
As we approach winter, the unity of the international community
will endure. The UK will continue to provide vital humanitarian
support to those most in need. At the EPC my Prime Minister also
announced a £34 million fund for UN agencies and charities
providing shelter and warm clothing, to support Ukraine through
the winter months.
Mr Chair, the Ukrainian people continue to show an unbreakable
spirit and determination in the face of such appalling
aggression, but let me reiterate again, that they will not face
this threat alone. As my Prime Minister said again this week, ‘We
will stand with Ukraine until they prevail’. Thank you."
