Colleagues, as we discuss the situation in Ukraine today, we are once again compelled to highlight the continued barbarity of President Putin’s tactics against the Ukrainian people.
Last weekend, Ukraine marked its third Independence Day since Russia’s illegal invasion. Instead of celebrating, Ukrainians were fighting for their country, their land and their families.
They are also fighting on behalf of all our countries, in defence of the principles that this institution, the United Nations, was founded: that every Member State has the right to sovereignty and territorial integrity, and borders cannot be redrawn by force.
Let us be clear: under Article 51 Ukraine has a right of self-defence. The UK and other allies fully support Ukraine in exercising that right.
President Putin thought Kyiv would fall within days. He was wrong. And Ukrainian courage continues to prove him wrong every day.
Russia is getting increasingly desperate as we heard again today. And as it does, the attacks become more cowardly.
On Monday, Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, striking numerous civilian areas. Further attacks took place on Monday night and Tuesday morning. At least 7 people were killed and many more injured. We were deeply saddened to learn that a British national, Ryan Evans, was also killed in recent attacks.
Over 35,000 civilians in Ukraine have been confirmed killed or injured since Russia’s invasion began. These most recent attacks represent continued evidence that Russia is intentionally targeting civilian energy infrastructure, risking further humanitarian crisis this coming winter.
To be clear: intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects constitute a war crime.
At the same time, the consequence of Putin’s miscalculation for the Russian people is increasingly evident.
This week’s attack alone cost Russia almost $1.3 billion. It is estimated that more than 1,000 Russian troops were either killed or wounded on Monday alone. So once again, we call on Russia to end its illegal invasion and immediately withdraw its forces.
The UK, along with our international partners, will not falter in our support for Ukraine. We will stand with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes to secure a just and sustainable peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
