UK Highlights Russia’s Disregard for Neighbouring Nations’ Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity at OSCE Meeting

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Recently, a number of my colleagues and I had the opportunity to visit Ukraine, where we witnessed the harsh realities of Russia’s ongoing conflict first-hand. During our trip, we encountered communities devastated by Russian strikes that have left homes in ruins. We spoke with former prisoners of war and the families of civilians who have been arbitrarily detained by Russia, including the relatives of OSCE staff members who have faced unlawful detention for over four years. We reiterate our call for their immediate and unconditional release.

This visit allowed us to observe the tangible consequences of Russia’s actions. To truly grasp these repercussions, however, it is essential to conduct an honest evaluation of their underlying causes, which I intend to share today.

Understanding the Historical Context

Russia has suggested that we should widen our perspective beyond 2022 to comprehend its war against Ukraine. We concur that historical context is significant, so let us delve into it.

Russia’s conduct prior to 2022 is indicative of a broader trend that extends well beyond Ukraine. In Moldova, Russian military forces became embroiled in the conflict on the left bank of the Nistru more than thirty years ago. Despite a commitment made at the Istanbul Summit to withdraw its troops, Russian military personnel remain stationed in Moldova without the consent of its government.

In Georgia, Russian forces crossed internationally recognised borders in 2008. Following this, Russia recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, solidifying its military presence and occupying 20% of Georgian territory.

Ukraine is part of this ongoing narrative.

In 1994, Russia pledged to respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and recognised borders. Yet, two decades later, in the wake of political turmoil in Kyiv, Russia annexed Crimea and subsequently supported armed conflict in eastern Ukraine for the next eight years.

Challenging Russia’s Justifications

Russia has attempted to rationalise its actions by claiming that the events of 2014 constituted an “unconstitutional coup.” This assertion is unfounded. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, Ukraine’s institutions continued to function effectively. Presidential and parliamentary elections took place, and Ukrainians exercised their democratic rights by choosing successive governments post-2014, which were acknowledged by the international community. There was no definitive moment of upheaval, just a continuation of democratic processes. Regardless of Russia’s interpretation of Ukraine’s domestic politics, it cannot legitimise violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty or the forcible alteration of its borders under the guise of a coup.

When we adopt a broader perspective on Russia’s actions, it becomes evident that the roots of the conflict revolve around a fundamental issue: whether nations that Russia deems to be within its “sphere of influence” possess the right to shape their own destinies. The full-scale invasion represents the most recent and catastrophic manifestation of Russia’s response to this question.

The Underlying Disagreement

This war was not instigated by a singular political crisis or a failure of diplomacy. Rather, it reflects a profound disagreement regarding the principles that govern relationships between states within the OSCE area.

Russia has played a role in shaping these principles and has willingly subscribed to them. From Helsinki to Paris and from Budapest to Istanbul, the evidence is irrefutable: states are sovereign, and borders cannot be altered by force. These principles are neither new nor ambiguous.

The critical question remains whether Russia is willing to honour the commitments it has repeatedly made. Until it does, discussions surrounding the origins of this conflict will invariably reach the same conclusion: the issue is not the rules themselves, but Russia’s choice to ignore them.

Condemnation of Ongoing Attacks

In conclusion, Mr Chair, I must condemn Russia’s relentless bombardment of Ukraine, including a recent mass attack that tragically resulted in multiple civilian casualties, as well as a strike that damaged the Latvian Consulate in Sloviansk. Russia’s reckless actions have repercussions that extend beyond Ukraine’s borders. On three consecutive days beginning on 24 July, drones entered Romanian airspace, prompting Romanian F-16s to engage and shoot them down. The first drone was identified as a Shahed-type, commonly employed by Russia, with investigations into the other two incidents still underway. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Romania, Latvia, and Ukraine. Russia’s ongoing assaults on Ukraine, coupled with its repeated violations of NATO airspace, are wholly unacceptable.

Thank you.