Statement delivered by Minister Doughty at the Diplomatic
Conference for the Adoption of the Convention establishing an
International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
"Distinguished fellow delegates, it is a pleasure to be here
today.
We salute President Zelensky's leadership, and the courage of the
Ukrainian people.
The United Kingdom is proud to be here, standing alongside
Ukraine, today and always – committed to justice and lasting
peace.
This is indeed a landmark moment – an unprecedented step towards
accountability for Russia's appalling crimes against Ukraine.
The UK is proud to sign this treaty, which stands as a beacon of
hope for every family and community affected by that aggression.
It also sends a clear message to Putin that aggression and
violations of international law will not go unanswered.
Because Russia's attacks shock the conscience:
Bombarding homes and kindergartens.
Stealing children from Ukraine, deporting and brainwashing them.
I, like many of you, have been in beautiful Kyiv and Ukraine
under bombardment by drones and missiles.
I've seen the civilian buildings and infrastructure reduced to
rubble.
The bunkers where Ukrainian children have to do their lessons
underground.
And the destruction is hard to comprehend unless you've seen it
face to face.
The Register of Damage has already received more than 90,000
submissions – and up to ten million claims may follow.
Behind each is a family, a business, a community shattered by
Russian aggression.
But Ukrainians are a resilient people.
They are looking to a future beyond this conflict – and so are
we.
But it is vital to hold Russia to account.
This Commission will enable Ukrainians to rebuild their homes,
their communities, and their lives.
We meet at a critical time, with US-led peace talks ongoing, and
we welcome efforts to end the killing and the destruction.
And yesterday, our Prime Minister, in Berlin, with many fellow
European leaders discussed these issues with President Zelenskyy,
President von der Leyen and others.
And at this pivotal moment we continue to engage at the highest
levels while ramping up support to Ukraine, and pressure on
Putin.
But we cannot wait for peace to pursue justice. Because without
justice, there can be no lasting peace.
And I am confident that future generations will look back on this
treaty as a key moment in the fight for accountability.
The United Kingdom will continue to support the Commission's
development, building on our leading role chairing the Register
of Damage.
And we'll keep working with all of you – our international
friends and partners.
My thanks go in particular to the Dutch government for their
leadership, the Council of Europe and the Secretary General for
their vital role, and all delegations for their perseverance.
Above all, we are grateful to the Ukrainian negotiating team for
reminding us that this work cannot wait.
So today is an important step.
Let's keep up the momentum for justice and a sustainable peace."
