Deputy Ambassador James Ford condemns Russia's mass strikes on
Ukraine's energy infrastructure during severe winter
temperatures. These actions show Russia is choosing destruction
over peace. The UK also urges Russia to release detained OSCE
staff members.
"Thank you, Mr Chair.
I will start by underlining again that the United Kingdom
condemns Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Nearly four
years on from its 2022 invasion, the Russian Federation continues
to inflict mindless suffering on the Ukrainian people. And
Moscow's actions continue to directly undermine the Helsinki
principles this organisation exists to protect.
Despite all this, Ukraine remains committed to diplomatic efforts
to secure a just and lasting peace. We applaud Kyiv's sustained
engagement in negotiations despite the ongoing brutality of
Russia's attacks. The US-proposed ceasefire on strikes against
energy infrastructure could have been a modest step towards
creating conditions more conducive to meaningful negotiations.
Yet in recent days Russia has continued to launch mass attacks
against Ukraine. As my Ukrainian counterpart just set out, on 1
February, Russia hit a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia,
injuring six people, and also struck a bus carrying civilians in
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast that killed 15 and wounded 17 more.
Overnight on 2-3 February, when Kyiv was reportedly colder than
the North Pole, Russia launched a massive combined attack with
drones and over 70 missiles. Russia's attack struck
multiple cities and further damaged Ukraine's energy
facilities. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians were left
without heating while temperatures reached minus 24 degrees. We
condemn these inhumane attacks.
Irrespective of any ceasefire proposals, the legal position is
clear: attacks expected to disproportionately harm civilians or
cause unnecessary suffering violate international humanitarian
law. Respecting the principles of distinction, proportionality
and precaution is not optional or a goodwill gesture. It is
the bare minimum required by law.
The Russian Federation should signal it is prepared to choose
diplomacy over continued destruction and stop these egregious
attacks.
Mr Chair, there is another constructive step Russia could take –
and also one fully within Moscow's gift. Three OSCE staff members
remain in Russian detention: Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro
Shabanov. They were detained in April 2022, while performing
their official duties under the mandate agreed by all 57
participating States. These individuals were international civil
servants acting in support of this organisation's work.
Each has now spent almost four years in detention. Their families
continue to wait for them to come home. We urge Russia to release
them immediately and allow them to return to their loved ones.
Ending its senseless aggression – including the sustained strikes
on Ukraine's energy infrastructure throughout winter – and
releasing the detained OSCE staff members: Mr. Chair, these are
steps Russia could take now. They would be a start towards
building the conditions needed for diplomacy to succeed. They
would indicate that Russia is willing to move from coercion
towards constructive engagement.
The United Kingdom will continue to stand with Ukraine and to
uphold the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and
the peaceful settlement of disputes – principles that form the
foundation of this organisation.
Thank you."
