Politico-Military Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, rejects Russia's
attempts to characterise Ukraine's defence of its territory as
terrorism, reaffirms that Ukraine's armed forces personnel are
lawful combatants entitled to full Prisoner of War protections
under the Geneva Conventions.
"Mr Chair, over recent months the Russian Federation has
repeatedly sought to characterise Ukraine as terrorists. Last
week in this Forum was the most recent example. This is a
deliberate line of argument, designed to reframe an illegal war
of aggression as something it is not, and to erode the legitimacy
of Ukraine's self-defence. We will not let it stand unchallenged.
Counter-terrorism is not within the mandate of this Forum. But
attempts to discredit Ukraine's legitimate right to self-defence
are a direct and legitimate concern for us all, as per the Code
of Conduct.
Let us be clear: we are discussing Russia's ongoing illegal
invasion of its sovereign neighbour. Despite Russia's repeated
insinuations of fighting an illegitimate enemy, Ukraine is
defending itself, as per the UN Charter as endorsed by 141
States.
Under Article 43 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva
Conventions, Ukraine's Armed Forces personnel are lawful
combatants. Under Article 4 of the Third Geneva Convention, when
captured they are Prisoners of War. And are entitled to the full
protections of that Convention. Russia claiming that Ukrainian
soldiers are terrorists does not make it true. Neither does it
change their protected status as lawful combatants.
Yet ODIHR's Eighth Interim Report details the torture,
ill-treatment and systematic denial of Prisoner of War
protections carried out by Russian authorities. The UN Human
Rights Monitoring Mission recorded at least 129 summary
executions of captured Ukrainian personnel since February 2022.
Nearly every released Ukrainian Prisoner of War interviewed by
the OHCHR described being tortured or ill-treated in captivity.
This is not countering terrorism. Wilful killing, torture or
inhuman treatment of prisoners of war are breaches of
international humanitarian law.
It is not only the mistreatment of Prisoners of War where Russian
actions remain a serious cause for concern. During armed
conflict, International Humanitarian Law compels States to abide
by the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution
to protect civilians and civilian objects.
Let's examine the facts. Last Thursday, on 2 July, The Russian
Federation launched its largest attack on Kyiv to date. The
Kremlin's spokesperson claimed that Russia had struck military or
militaryrelated facilities. The facts paint a different picture.
74 missiles. Almost 500 drones. At least 31 civilians killed.
More than 90 wounded. Damage in every single district of Kyiv.
Apartment blocks, an ambulance station, a hotel, a research
institute. On Sunday 5 July, Russia again struck Kyiv. This time
with 68 missiles and 351 drones. Residential buildings were hit.
At least 21 people have been killed in the Capital so far. These
are not isolated attacks. They are part of a sustained campaign
since 2022. Once again, we ask the Russian Federation to explain
how its targeting procedures are ensuring compliance with the
principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
Mr Chair, to summarise. We are talking about Russia's ongoing
illegal invasion. To which Ukraine has a right to legitimate
self-defence. The solution remains simple. Russia must end its
illegal war of aggression and comply with international law."
