Statement by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on
Ukraine.
"Today is Ukraine's Independence Day.
A day to reaffirm the importance of Ukraine's sovereignty and
territorial integrity, and the rights of her people to determine
their own future, to celebrate the history, culture, and
spirit of the Ukrainian people, and to reconfirm friendships
and support.
First, on Ukraine's sovereignty and freedom.
For over a decade, Russia has sought to deny Ukraine the rights
to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and to determine her own
future.
Through the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, then the
full-scale invasion in 2022, and now through intensive attacks on
civilians and essential services across Ukraine.
Over 17,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, and 52,000
injured since February 2022, 437 killed and 2,610
injured in July alone.
The deadliest month in four years, as Russia has intensified her
attacks, including hundreds of missiles and drones fired against
Ukrainian cities.
One civilian every 15 minutes.
International humanitarian law must be respected.
Ukraine's children in particular feel the impact. Since
2022, there have been over 3,900 Ukrainian child casualties.
Children have lost families and homes and have spent months
sheltering underground.
Thousands of children have been forcibly deported.
On this day, we remember lives lost and lives upended.
And we remember the extraordinary strength Ukrainians have shown
in defending their country, their freedom, and their right of
self-determination.
Second on Ukraine's rich culture
Mr President, as we join Ukraine in celebrating her history,
culture, and spirit, Russia damages Ukraine's cultural sites.
Including Kyiv's historic Petrivka book market and the
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
And in the temporarily occupied territories, Russia has
eradicated Ukrainian-language education and forced residents to
take Russian passports.
But Ukraine's history and culture will not be destroyed, and her
spirit will not be broken.
As His Majesty King Charles said in his message to President
Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, today is a day to reflect
upon Ukraine's proud history, rich culture and indomitable
national spirit, and to honour the extraordinary fortitude that
Ukrainians have shown in preserving the identity and values which
define their nation.
Third on friendship and support
United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy is in Kyiv today.
His message to the people of Ukraine is that On Ukraine's 35th
anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no
doubt, the United Kingdom is behind you today, and for as long as
it takes.
The United Kingdom will continue to stand with Ukraine as she
exercises her lawful right to self-defence, in accordance with
Article 51 of the UN Charter.
We support Ukraine's call for a full, immediate, and
unconditional ceasefire and a just and lasting peace. And we urge
Russia to commit to the same.
Mr President, Ukraine's future is for Ukrainians to decide.
Her language, culture, and history will not be erased
by attacks or occupation or coercion.
Today, we celebrate Ukraine.
And we renew our support for her sovereignty and her
freedoms.
Today and every day, for as long as it takes."
