PRESS RELEASE : Putin only responds to strength. We must stand as strong as the Ukrainian people – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [November 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 November 2024.

Statement by the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, at the UN Security Council meeting on peace and security in Ukraine.

Here in this Council, 1,000 days into Putin’s full-scale invasion, the UK is keeping the spotlight on Ukraine.

Not just for the security of the Ukrainian people.

Or just for Europe’s security.

But for something much more fundamental.

Which every UN member should care about.

The right to be a sovereign, independent country free to choose its future, protect its borders and stand up to aggression.

Everyone on this Council should be familiar from the climate crisis with the concept of tipping points.

The critical moment, after which changes are irreversible.

These exist in geopolitics as they do in science.

And unless Putin fails, I believe we face one over Ukraine.

Unless Putin fails, we could plunge into a world where the principles enshrined in the UN Charter will have lost their meaning.

Unless Putin fails, others will be inspired to wage imperialist wars of conquest.

Unless Putin fails, our faith in international law may never return.

And unless Putin fails, each of our borders will be less safe.

If anyone doubted Putin’s intent, this weekend’s massive missile attack on Ukraine and its energy infrastructure should serve as a reminder.

Putin wants to plunge Ukraine into darkness.

For years, the Kremlin has tried to bully Ukraine into submission.

Russian missiles have struck hospitals and grain ships destined for Africa.

Russian troops have raped and tortured Ukrainian prisoners.

And Russian police have abducted Ukrainian children for indoctrination in Russia.

Like a desperate gambler, Putin has gone all in on this illegal war.

Putin has lost so many soldiers, a 1000 days into a war he thought he would win in days, he is now turning to North Korea for reinforcements and to Iran for ballistic missiles.

These actions must be met with firm response.

And that is why today I can announce fresh sanctions on Iran Air and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, a direct response to Iran’s ballistic missile deliveries to Russia.

We are using the full force of our sanctions to constrain the Kremlin’s illegal actions.

From their shadow fleet of oil tankers to suppliers to their war machine.

From shady kleptocrats, to mercenaries destabilising the continent of Africa.

And we are stepping up our support to put Ukraine in a position of strength.

With a new loan backed by profits from sanctioned Russian assets, part of a new G7 package of $50 billion in assistance.

And a commitment to $3 billion in military aid, for as long as it takes.

Let me be crystal clear.

There is no equivalence,

No comparison,

No parallel,

Between those reckless states who support Russia’s illegal aggression.

And those who stand with Ukraine in its defence of sovereignty.

Council, the Kremlin wants to plunge Ukraine into darkness.

But we must stand for the light of its freedom.

Ukraine and its partners want peace in line with the UN Charter that brings us together today.

But we know that Putin only responds to strength.

To have a lasting peace, lasting security, we have got to stand as strong, as united, as patient as determined, as the Ukrainian people.

And so I say that my message to Vladimir Putin is simple: we will never let up on countering Russian aggression at every turn.

1000 days in, we still stand for Ukraine.

1000 days in, we still stand for the international order.

1000 days in, we still stand for the principles which the United Nations was founded upon.

1000 days in, we are as ready to face down your aggression as the day you started this senseless war.