UK Foreign Secretary’s Key Address at the UNSC: Standing Firm on Ukraine’s Sovereignty

Thank you to Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her insightful briefing. I would like to express unequivocally, at the outset, that the United Kingdom stands firm alongside Ukraine and its citizens, and we will continue to do so for as long as necessary. More than four and a half years have passed since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and we must not be under any illusions regarding the situation we face. This crisis is the result of deliberate choices made by Russia. Russia opted for an illegal and unprovoked invasion, it chooses to escalate its aggression, and it consistently rejects any attempts towards peace. It is crucial for all of us to recognise the stakes involved, as Russia’s offensive is not merely an attack on Ukraine; it constitutes a direct assault on the fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter. This is an affront to us all. The recent sham elections in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories serve as a stark illustration of this blatant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The Unacceptable Changing of Borders by Force

For the sake of all nations, we cannot permit changes to borders through the use of force, nor can we accept a world where aggressive actions can erode national sovereignty. Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge that no country represented in this chamber is immune to the ramifications of this conflict. Russia’s war has detrimental effects on our own populations; Russian strikes on Black Sea ports and merchant vessels pose a significant threat to global food supplies. As my Danish colleague noted, Russia continues to engage in reckless hybrid activities, with the recent attack at Leipzig Airport serving as a particularly outrageous example.

Let me be unequivocal: the United Kingdom, Europe, and NATO do not seek conflict with Russia. NATO is, and will always remain, a defensive alliance. However, we will persist in calling out and countering Russia’s hostile actions, regardless of their nature. This commitment applies equally to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and to its unacceptable and escalating hybrid threats throughout Europe.

The Path Not Chosen by Russia

President, Russia has the option to pursue a different path today, one that involves agreeing to a ceasefire and engaging in negotiations aimed at rebuilding a relationship grounded in sovereignty, international law, and respect for the UN Charter. Regrettably, this is not the course that Russia has chosen. This summer, Russia has unleashed a record number of ballistic missiles and drones upon Ukrainian cities, leading to a tragic rise in civilian casualties, which have reached their highest levels since 2022. As we convene, Ukrainian civilians are preparing for yet another harsh and unbearable winter, one filled with anxiety as they face the threat of missile and drone attacks. Once more, Russia is likely to target energy and infrastructure, aiming to plunge Ukraine into cold and darkness. The Russian Ministry of Defence has even suggested making Ukraine, and I quote, “freeze.”

Recognising the Human Cost of Conflict

This statement reveals all we need to understand about Russia’s intentions, especially here at the United Nations. We cannot simply dismiss or normalise these barbaric and illegal tactics. Ukraine has consistently called for peace, proposing a ceasefire and engaging constructively with US-led initiatives. The criteria for credible negotiations remain clear: a full and unconditional ceasefire, respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, and robust security arrangements.

President, we shall continue to support Ukraine through the forthcoming winter and beyond. We will intensify economic pressure on Russia and advocate for serious diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. In conclusion, I wish to address the Russian representative directly, as the Foreign Minister will be speaking later. I have witnessed the devastation of war in Europe through my family’s history; my parents were refugees from Poland and Belgium during the Second World War, and we lost many family members. Today, war has returned to Europe, marking the worst conflict since that time, with innocent civilians losing their lives. And why is this happening? Because Russia chose to instigate this unjustified, unprovoked, and illegal conflict. Even if moral arguments do not resonate with the Russian government, the reality should, for it is evident that Russia is faltering in this war.

Ukraine’s Unyielding Resolve

Four years ago, President Putin aimed to obliterate Ukraine’s independence, yet Ukraine’s national resolve has proven steadfast. Four years ago, he anticipated that Ukraine’s supporters would withdraw, but our commitment remains unwavering. Four years ago, Putin believed that time would favour Russia, yet its advances have largely ground to a halt, with the number of Russian military personnel killed or wounded exceeding 1.5 million. Additionally, Russia’s economy is suffering as the repercussions of Putin’s decisions accumulate, while sanctions severely limit the Kremlin’s war funding.

I urge the Russian representative to convey to President Putin the unvarnished truth. The world is aware that Russia is faltering in this conflict. The Russian populace can sense it, and ministers are acutely aware as well. They must advise President Putin to put an end to this bloodshed.

Let me reiterate this essential truth: the UK’s commitment to Ukraine will not waver. The commitment of our allies will remain steadfast. We stand with Ukraine today, and we will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.