PRESS RELEASE : Russia repeatedly demonstrates complete disregard for International Humanitarian Law – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

Thank you, Madam Chair. It has been two weeks since this Forum last sat, and during this period we have unfortunately witnessed Russia continue its barbaric attacks causing death and destruction of Ukraine’s civilians and civilian infrastructure. On 27 June, a missile strike on a restaurant in Kramatorsk killed at least 12 people, including the Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina and four children, and wounding over 60 more. This appalling attack has horrifying similarities to the missile strike on the Kremenchuk shopping centre exactly a year before on 27 June 2022, which killed as many as 25 people, with more than 50 wounded. It is a grim reminder of the enduring resolve and determination of the Ukrainian people to stand up against their brutal and vengeful invader.

Madam Chair, I draw attention to these two attacks, exactly a year apart, because as we approach 500 days since Putin launched his horrific war of choice, it is perhaps easy to become numb to the true barbarity that Russia has inflicted on the people of Ukraine – day in, day out, night after night.

Last week, on 28 June, the Russian delegation distributed a Note Verbale [SEC.DEL/274/23] to all delegations complaining at the “unfounded accusations of violations of International Humanitarian Law” that were “frequently made against Russian Servicemen engaged” in the so-called “special military operation”. The Russian delegation sent this Note Verbale whilst Ukrainian emergency services were still trying to rescue civilians from the rubble of the Kramatorsk restaurant attack. Hypocrisy at its worst.

The thousands of Ukrainian civilians killed; Ukrainian men, women and children subjected to unimaginable atrocities; and Ukrainian children forcibly relocated are a sobering reminder that Russia repeatedly demonstrates complete disregard for International Humanitarian Law.

Madam Chair, the long running feud between Yevgeny Prigozhin, his Wagner Group, and the leaders of the Russian armed forces reached a peak over the weekend of 24 June. Whilst this is clearly an internal Russian affair, the events that took place directly concern Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Most notably, Prigozhin, one of President Putin’s own protégés, publically destroyed the regime’s case for the war in Ukraine. He said there had been no aggression from Ukraine or plans, with NATO, to attack Russia. Furthermore, he denounced Russia’s military leadership, accusing them of invading Ukraine for their own personal benefit.

Madam Chair, during the 07 June FSC Security Dialogue on Private Military Companies, the Russian Delegation described Wagner as a “volunteer formation” which provides assistance to the civilian population. Wagner’s actions, including the atrocities they have committed in Ukraine, demonstrate that this is far from the truth. Despite previous denials, President Vladimir Putin admitted on 27 June that Wagner has been completely financed by the Russian State, apparently at the equivalent to 4% of Russian military expenditure.

Madam Chair, Prigozhin’s rebellion represents an unprecedented challenge to Putin’s authority, and it is clear that cracks are emerging in Russian support for the war. Prigozhin’s comments confirm that Russia’s brutal invasion was both unjustified and unprovoked. Russia’s leadership cannot justify this war even to itself. Whilst Ukraine is focused on fighting its barbaric invader, Russia is fighting itself.

Madam Chair, the UK and our allies are committed to providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of Ukraine’s sovereign territory. This is the swiftest, and only, path to a just and lasting peace. We will stand by Ukraine for however long it takes. Ukraine will win. Thank you.