PRESS RELEASE : Putin’s actions set Russia on a path of destruction and isolation – UK statement to the OSCE [February 2023]

Thank you, Mr Chair. A year ago, Russia continued to mass extraordinary levels of military forces along Ukraine’s borders and in illegally annexed Crimea. In just one week it had increased the number of Battalion Tactical Groups (BTGs) deployed in the vicinity of Ukraine’s borders from 60 to over 80. Russia had amassed in excess of 100,000 troops in what was the biggest military build-up in Europe since the Cold War.

Against this backdrop, we saw extensive diplomatic efforts to resolve the unprecedented tensions in the region. In this and other Forums, we repeatedly warned that any Russian military incursion into Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake. We were clear that the only way forward was to pursue a path of diplomacy and that immediate de-escalation by Russia was needed for successful dialogue.

However, it was apparent that Russia had no interest in diplomacy or dialogue – only in lies and falsehoods. Exactly a year ago, our Russian colleague lauded this Forum as the “only pan-European structure responsible for politico-military stability in Europe”; claimed that Russia’s “priority lies in negotiations”; and stated “practical action, not theoretical reflections” were needed. Despite these assertions, in an act of clear hypocrisy, our Russian colleague proceeded to walk out of this Chamber and away from much needed dialogue.

In contrast, that week, colleagues in this room did take “practical action” by using the Vienna Document Risk Reduction Mechanism to seek explanations from Belarus, and then Russia, for the extraordinary levels of military forces massing on Ukraine’s borders. Russia refused to engage with the mechanism. A move that demonstrated Russia’s contempt for the OSCE and deliberate disregard for established OSCE commitments, drawing overwhelming condemnation from the majority of participating States.

Mr Chair, the actions of the Russian Delegation a year ago confirmed their collusion in Putin’s decision to conduct his barbaric invasion and so set Russia and its people on a path of destruction and isolation. At a time when diplomacy, dialogue and engagement were in desperate need, our Russian colleagues turned their back on the very structures and commitments designed to avert escalation, reduce military tension, and build regional stability.

A year later, we have seen no change in our Russian colleague’s approach, with weekly walkouts now a tired expression of his contempt for this Forum. Seemingly, the Russian Delegation’s only interest in the Forum for Security Cooperation (FSC) is to proliferate the lies, disinformation and propaganda they peddle to their own population.

Try as they might to portray Putin’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine as something honourable and heroic; the truth is becoming increasingly apparent to the Russian people – Putin made a grave miscalculation when he chose to invade a sovereign neighbour.

The persistent and institutional poor decision-making by the Kremlin has compounded a failed strategy, with terrible consequences on and off the battlefield. First, the so-called “partial mobilisation” – a desperate attempt to turn the tide of the war by sacrificing ordinary Russian people. Now, Wagner recruited convicts are enduring a horrifically high death toll in attritional wave attacks in eastern Ukraine. Next, with numbers of recruited convicts depleted, Putin is amassing more mobilised Russians in eastern Ukraine. Thousands of Russians –poorly trained, poorly equipped and poorly led – continue to be sacrificed by a frustrated Russian military leadership scrambling to provide numbers in place of trained fighters and effective leadership for Putin’s horrific war of choice.

Mr Chair, in the face of Russia’s authoritarian actions, we must all recognise that giving Ukraine the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of its sovereign territory is the swiftest and only path to a just and sustainable peace. That is why today, during President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK, my Prime Minister will announce plans to expand training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to the sea and air, as part of long-term investment in their military to ensure Ukraine is able to defend its interests in the years to come.

This includes offering to bolster the UK’s training offer for Ukrainian troops, including expanding it to fighter jet pilots to ensure Ukraine can defend its skies well into the future. And also includes offering to begin an immediate training programme for marines. We do not underestimate the continuing threat posed by the Russian Federation but, Putin and his military leadership should not underestimate our determination and will to support our Ukrainian friends as they fight to liberate their homeland. We are committed to not just provide military equipment for the short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for years to come. Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence will be fully restored. Thank you.