Ambassador Holland condemned Russia's illegal war against
Ukraine, denounced recent Russian threats and intimidation at the
OSCE, reaffirmed the UK's continued military support for Ukraine,
and called for the immediate and unconditional release of
unlawfully detained OSCE Special Monitoring Mission members.
"Thank you, Mr Chair.
The UK remains steadfast in its condemnation of Russia's ongoing
war against Ukraine, and of the broader pattern of behaviour that
continues to undermine security, stability, and the principles on
which this Organisation is founded.
Firstly I want to join my colleagues in condemning the threats
made by the Russian Federation at last week's meeting. This
reflects a familiar attempt to intimidate and deter those who
support Ukraine's right to defend itself against an illegal and
unprovoked invasion. It will not work.
The Russian state characterises international support for
Ukraine's defence against its deadly attacks as an escalation of
the conflict – a claim that is unfounded and aimed at deflecting
from its own actions. Our support for Ukraine, and readiness to
defend ourselves, is lawful and necessary in response to Russia's
continued aggression. And in this regard I wish to associate the
UK with the statement delivered by my French colleague today in
its entirety.
Our common security is best protected not through threats, but
through adherence to the shared principles set out in the UN
Charter and the Helsinki Final Act — respect for sovereignty and
territorial integrity. The UK and our partners stand firmly
behind those principles. It is Russia that is violating them,
systematically and flagrantly, through its illegal war of
aggression against Ukraine.
The UK will not be deterred. The UK will continue to provide the
military assistance Ukraine needs, for as long as it needs it.
Mr Chair, Russia's disregard for agreed rules and commitments is
also evident in its continued treatment of this Organisation and
its personnel. This month marks four years since our colleagues
from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine – Dmytro
Shabanov, Vadym Golda and Maxim Petrov – were unlawfully detained
by Russia and its proxies. They were detained while carrying out
duties mandated by this Council, under a mission established by
consensus, including by the Russian Federation. Their continued
detention remains a clear breach of OSCE commitments.
Once again, the UK calls for their immediate and unconditional
release. Their detention is not a marginal issue. It forms part
of a broader pattern of obstructing independent observation,
rejecting accountability, and weakening the institutions designed
to reduce risk and build security across the OSCE area.
The OSCE exists to promote security through transparency,
restraint and respect for agreed rules. Russia's actions towards
this Organisation run directly counter to those principles. And
until Russia chooses compliance over obstruction and
accountability over denial, its actions will continue to
undermine trust in this Council and in the commitments we have
all undertaken.
Thank you."
