Mr Chair, the United Kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving a just and enduring peace in Ukraine. This peace must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty, uphold its territorial integrity, and respect the right of every participating nation to determine its own security arrangements, in accordance with the Helsinki Final Act. Our support for Ukraine is resolute and long-term, encompassing every credible diplomatic initiative aimed at concluding this conflict. However, meaningful diplomacy necessitates genuine engagement, a willingness to participate directly, and negotiations conducted in good faith.
Russia’s Contradictory Stance on Diplomacy
The Russian Federation, however, has failed to demonstrate any of these qualities. Rather than opting for negotiation, it has chosen to perpetuate the war. This contradiction lies at the core of Russia’s position. While it professes a desire for dialogue, it simultaneously dismisses the conditions that would render such discussions meaningful. Russia claims to advocate for peace yet refuses to implement a ceasefire. It speaks of diplomacy while continuing to bombard Ukrainian cities. Thus, Russia’s proclaimed intention for negotiation starkly contrasts with its ongoing military actions.
On 23 June, President Putin again asserted Russia’s openness to peace. Yet, the Russian Federation continues to reject the call for a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire. President Putin has not acknowledged President Zelenskyy’s repeated invitations for direct dialogue, including in his recent open letter to the Kremlin. A nation genuinely committed to peace does not consistently turn down every opportunity for engagement, discussion, and a cessation of hostilities.
Intimidation Instead of Dialogue
Recently, on 6 May, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued formal notifications to embassies in Kyiv. Following one of the most significant single-night assaults on Kyiv since the onset of the full-scale invasion, the Russian Ministry of Defence advised diplomatic personnel to evacuate the city “as soon as possible” on 25 May. Furthermore, on 24 June, during this Forum, Russia reiterated that this threat “remains in force.”
This behaviour is far from diplomatic; it constitutes pressure aimed at intimidating the diplomatic community, eroding confidence in Ukraine’s capital, and portraying Russian escalation as unavoidable. The response has been unmistakable: embassies have neither departed from Kyiv nor announced intentions to do so.
Concerning Nuclear Rhetoric
Last week, in this Forum, the notable representative from Belarus indicated that the Union State framework encompasses the use of, in its own words, “all possible means available, including nuclear means.” The Russian delegation echoed and intensified this nuclear rhetoric on multiple occasions. Such language is both irresponsible and coercive, intended to intimidate rather than facilitate negotiation. Rather than advancing peace, it heightens risks. It is crucial to emphasise that this is not a nuclear crisis, nor should it escalate into one.
The ongoing conduct of the war by the Russian Federation conveys a similar narrative. It continues to suffer casualties averaging around 38,000 per month while making negligible territorial gains. The reckless deployment of Oreshnik nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities persists, alongside intensified long-range strikes that result in civilian casualties far beyond the front lines. These actions do not reflect the behaviour of a State genuinely pursuing peace; instead, they signify a State intent on prolonging the conflict while attributing blame to others for the lack of negotiations.
The Path to Peace
The Russian Federation must cease its military aggression and engage in meaningful negotiations. Peace will not materialise through mere rhetoric while the Russian Armed Forces continue their operations. It will not emerge from threats while Russia remains unresponsive to direct engagement. Nor will peace be achieved through claims of openness amidst a refusal to consider a ceasefire.
Mr Chair, we continue to urge the Russian Federation to de-escalate the situation, beginning with the cessation of its illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Federation should agree to an immediate ceasefire and open communication channels with Kyiv, as President Zelenskyy has consistently proposed. The pathway to peace is clear, and Russia has the opportunity to embrace it at any moment. Thank you, Mr Chair.
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