Russia is knowingly trying to gain military advantage by creating desperation: UK statement at the Security Council, Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Ukraine.
Thank you, President. And thank you to USG DiCarlo for your briefing.
I want to start by offering our sympathies and condolences to the Polish people and the families of those killed yesterday.
While we await the outcome of the investigation, we should be clear that this is a tragedy that indisputably stems from Russia’s illegal and unjustified invasion and its inhumane assault on civilians across Ukraine.
Yesterday, as President Zelenskyy set out to the G20 his 10-point plan for peace in Ukraine, Ukrainian civilians were facing the largest barrage of a Russian missile and drone strikes since the first week of the war. We condolences to the Ukrainian people and families of those injured in these attacks.
Russia’s systematic attacks on Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure have left millions without electricity, heating, water, medicine and food as temperatures drop below zero.
And more than that, we’ve heard today from the UN detailed reports of civilian deaths, sexual violence, and forced deportation of children. Russia is knowingly trying to gain a military advantage by creating desperation. Attacks of this kind may violate International Humanitarian Law and are, in any event, deeply inhumane.
President, on Monday, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on an international mechanism for reparations for damage, loss and injury arising from Russia’s internationally wrongful acts against Ukraine. This was an essential first step towards justice for Ukraine.
President, we are in no doubt that Ukraine will prevail in the face of Russia’s aggression. The liberation of Kherson shows the Ukrainian people’s strength, courage and determination to defend their right to sovereign equality and territorial integrity guaranteed under the UN Charter.
The UK will continue to stand by the Ukrainian people.
While the war is ongoing, we must also manage its broader effects as best we can. That is why we strongly support the Black Sea Green Initiative. It has been vital in helping alleviate the serious risks of food insecurity worldwide, and we strongly support the UN in its efforts to renew it.
President, fundamentally, this war is the result of unilateral action on the part of the Russian Federation. Therefore, the path forward is simple: Russia needs to cease hostilities, withdraw from Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders, and commit to a path of dialogue.
Thank you.