Respecting Ukraine’s Sovereignty: A Key to Genuine Dialogue, Says UK in OSCE Statement

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns the recent mass strikes executed by Russia against Ukraine.

Following the call for a ceasefire by the President of the United States regarding attacks on energy infrastructure, Russia has persistently targeted Ukraine’s energy systems. As of yesterday, Russia had conducted 86 such assaults, including a significant offensive that struck ten energy facilities, resulting in over 550,000 individuals being left without power. Additional attacks were reported last night.

During this same timeframe, Russian strikes have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 98 civilians. These actions are not those of a nation committed to restraint or genuine diplomacy.

Dialogue and Sovereign Equality

Mr Chair, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was established to facilitate dialogue among states, particularly those that are not aligned. However, true dialogue is founded on the principle of sovereign equality, which necessitates that every state acknowledges the autonomy of others. Such dialogue is untenable if one state presumes the right to dictate another’s government, borders, alliances, or future.

This is precisely why sovereign equality is enshrined at the core of the Helsinki Final Act. It exists alongside principles such as territorial integrity, the inviolability of frontiers, non-intervention, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Together, these principles render dialogue feasible. Russia has pledged to uphold them, yet it has consistently undermined the sovereignty of Ukraine and other participating states.

Historical Context of Russian Aggression

In 2013, Russia exerted intense political and economic pressure to thwart Ukraine’s aspirations for closer integration with Europe.

In 2014, it unlawfully annexed Crimea and subsequently supported and sustained an armed conflict in eastern Ukraine.

The full-scale invasion launched by Russia in 2022 aimed to impose its political will on Ukraine through force.

Regrettably, Mr Chair, Russia employs a similar tactic within this Council. It discusses Ukraine while refusing to acknowledge it as a sovereign participant entitled to an equal voice in discussions concerning its future.

Undermining Ukraine’s Sovereignty

Russian propaganda persistently denies Ukraine’s agency. A prime example is its numerous false assertions regarding Boris Johnson and the Istanbul talks in 2022. Additionally, claims that US and European “puppet masters” control Ukraine are routinely propagated.

Russia seeks to reinforce this narrative by undermining the legitimacy of Ukraine’s democratic institutions. It often refuses to refer to the Ukrainian Government by its proper name, opting instead for derogatory labels and insults.

It is important to note that Russia is in no position to lecture Ukraine on matters of democratic legitimacy. It has systematically suppressed political opposition, independent civil society, and free media. Its recent Duma elections fell short of OSCE commitments, notably by failing to invite independent observation from the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Furthermore, it has orchestrated sham elections in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, in blatant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. In stark contrast, Ukraine has maintained a democratic government while defending itself against a full-scale invasion.

The Path to Genuine Dialogue

Mr Chair, for dialogue to yield a lasting peace settlement, Russia must acknowledge and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. Only Ukraine has the authority to make decisions regarding its security and independence.

If Russia is earnest about engaging in genuine dialogue, it must recognise this fundamental truth. The Ukrainian government is for the Ukrainian people to choose. Ukraine’s partnerships are for it to determine. Moreover, Ukraine must be at the heart of any discussions concerning its future.

This principle of sovereign equality is the bedrock upon which all OSCE dialogue is constructed.

Thank you, Mr Chair.