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Thank you President and I thank the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs for his briefing.
President, I will be brief because we discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine just three days ago.
During that meeting, we heard Under-Secretary-General Griffiths express his deep concern about the dire consequences of Russia’s war and the effects of systematic attacks on critical infrastructure and civilian centers in Ukraine, particularly ahead of winter. We have just seen more OHCHR reporting on possible atrocities against civilians committed by Russia.
Given the subject of this meeting, the irony is that Russia is waging this war with weapons obtained from Iran in violation of Resolution 2231, and almost certainly seeks weapons from other UN-sanctioned states such as North Korea as its own stockpile dwindles. .
We note that despite resounding calls for a cease-fire and peace, meaningful dialogue and diplomacy in this council on Tuesday, the Russian president doubled-down on Wednesday, confirming that the offensive will continue and that it will be long. He also reaffirmed the neo-imperialist nature of the campaign, claiming that unlike Peter the Great, he made the Sea of Azov a Russian internal sea.
President, in the face of Russia’s relentless efforts to seize Ukrainian territory and dehumanize, kill and subjugate its people in violation of the UN Charter, Ukraine has no choice but to exercise its right to defend itself. If it doesn’t, it will cease to exist. In a similar situation, we would all do the same. And because of a deep determination to live, Ukraine prevails.
The UK is proud of the support it provides to the Ukrainian people in the face of this aggression, be it defensive, humanitarian or helping to rebuild critical infrastructure destroyed by Russian attacks.
President, Russia can immediately end this suffering by ceasing attacks against Ukraine, including against critical national infrastructure and innocent civilians, and withdrawing all its forces illegally present in Ukraine.
We welcome and support Ukraine’s initiative for a just and sustainable peace. We again join the international community in calling on Russia to equally commit to meaningful dialogue and negotiations based on upholding Ukraine’s rights under international law and the UN Charter.
Thank you president.
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