UK Senior Military Advisor, Colonel Joby Rimmer, cites GCHQ
intelligence assessments on heavy Russian losses, criticises and
condemns Moscow's refusal to engage in serious negotiations, and
highlights ever increasing and unacceptable civilian casualties
as a result of Russia's illegal war of aggression in Ukraine.
"Mr Chair, only a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, one that
safeguards its sovereignty, will deter further Russian
aggression. The United Kingdom's commitment is unwavering: we
will maintain pressure on Russia, continue supporting Ukraine's
Armed Forces, and help secure a peace that endures.
President Putin expected a swift victory. More than four years
on, he has achieved none of his strategic aims, while inflicting
immense suffering on Ukrainians and on his own people.
And make no mistake, militarily Russia is under severe strain.
The Director of the UK's Government Communications Headquarters
(GCHQ) recently confirmed intelligence indicating nearly 500,000
Russian soldiers have been killed since the start of the
full-scale invasion, assessing that the Russian military is
“going backwards on the battlefield”. Monthly losses remain
extremely high, while territorial gains have slowed markedly in
2026. The already devastatingly slow rate of advance has halved
so far in 2026. This illegal campaign only serves to consume vast
resources, inflict mass casualties for limited, reversible gains.
Yet a state under pressure can still inflict immense suffering,
as recent strikes and threats demonstrate. On 23–24 May, Russia
launched one of the largest air assaults on Kyiv, damaging or
destroying more than 30 residential buildings. In May alone,
Russia fired 197 missiles, including 72 ballistic or hypersonic,
alongside hundreds of daily drone strikes, levels that have now
become deeply alarming in their regularity. In its latest mass
attack on Monday night and early Tuesday morning, Russia launched
656 drones and 73 missiles, resulting in the death of at least 18
civilians and leaving dozens injured. This was the largest
ballistic/hypersonic missile attack since the full-scale
invasion. Russia has not acknowledged responsibility for any of
this.
Civilian suffering continues to intensify. In the first four
months of 2026, civilian casualties increased by 21% compared to
the same period in 2025. Since the start of the full-scale
invasion, at least 16,149 civilians have been killed and more
than 46,000 injured. The United Nations projects that up to
504,000 additional people could be displaced this year, with a
further 2.7 million affected by ongoing strikes.
Russia's warnings of “systematic strikes” on the capital and the
targeting of decision-making centres are wholly unacceptable.
Despite threats and warnings to evacuate, missions have remained
in place, with the G7 and partners making clear they will
continue to stand alongside Ukraine. This sustained presence
sends a clear signal: attempts at threats intimidation will not
succeed, and the international community remains engaged and
visible in Kyiv.
Russia's actions so clearly violate the core OSCE principles:
sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the
use of force. The Code of Conduct makes clear that such actions
are a matter of direct and legitimate concern to all
participating States, requiring solidarity and coordinated
response.
Ukraine has demonstrated repeatedly that it is the party of
peace, including by agreeing to a full, immediate, and
unconditional ceasefire, and by engaging constructively with
partners. Russia, by contrast, has failed to engage seriously. It
continues to advance maximalist demands tantamount to Ukraine's
surrender, while prolonging negotiations and intensifying
attacks. Russia continues to demand that Ukraine withdraw from
areas it has failed to occupy after years of fighting. That is
not diplomacy, it is attempted coercion.
Mr Chair, Russia can end this war now, by engaging seriously in
negotiations, withdrawing its forces, and respecting Ukraine's
sovereignty. The United Kingdom is fully committed to supporting
Ukraine's sovereignty, security and right to self-defence. Thank
you."
