PRESS RELEASE : We will not let Russia’s brutality be normalised – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s ongoing aggression as we approach 500 days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr Chair. On 1 June, which was the International Day of the Protection of Children, many in this room, including me, called on Russia to stop its persecution of two Ukrainian teenagers, Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanganov. Aged just 16 and 17, these boys endured months of abuse at the hands of the Russian authorities. I was horrified to hear that Tihran and Mykyta were both killed on 24 June. There is never a justification for the abuse and murder of children. Those responsible must face justice. The UK supports those working to uncover the full circumstances of their deaths, and our thoughts are with Tihran and Mykyta’s families.

I was also appalled by the missile strike on Kramatorsk on 27 June. Three children were among the thirteen people killed as they ate at a restaurant. The award-winning Ukrainian writer and war crimes researcher Viktoria Amelina was also killed. We are also deeply concerned by reports overnight of casualties in Lviv, after missiles struck a residential building. Attacks on civilians, especially children, are completely unacceptable in any circumstance. We will not let this barbarism become normalised. We also note Russia’s continued recklessness in its control of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. We once again call on Russia to return control of the plant to the Ukrainian authorities.

Mr Chair, 500 days ago today, the Russian Delegation told us that “the key to lasting peace, the restoration of civil accord in Ukraine and the defusing of the tension around this country lies in the implementation of the Minsk agreements in good faith”. That very evening, Russia tore the Minsk agreements apart by recognising Luhansk and Donetsk as so-called “independent states”. For 500 days since, we have seen the same formula from Russia: broken promises, unwarranted aggression, lies, and threats.

When Russia launched its unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, it trampled on its international commitments. Russia violated the Helsinki Final Act, contravened UN Charter Article 2(4), and breached the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. Their claims of self-defence are manifestly false. Cynical allegations of genocide and Nazism are untrue, not to mention deeply offensive. Indeed, Mr Prigozhin, President Putin’s erstwhile confidant, recently admitted what the whole world already knew. That the justifications given by the Kremlin for the invasion were simply not true. That there was no threat from Ukraine or NATO. That President Putin’s campaign is one of aggression and conquest.

The UK, along with our partners, will not tire of countering Russia’s disinformation. Russia itself knows that its falsehoods convince no one. That is why it resorts to threats. These threats are designed to deter international support for Ukraine, but only serve to strengthen our resolve, and to damage Russia’s global standing further.

Mr Chair, Ukraine is fighting for freedom, for peace, but also for truth. And with the help of its partners, Ukraine’s future will be that of a stronger and more prosperous country than ever, safe within its internationally recognised borders. In contrast, Mr Chair, Russia’s reputation will be damaged for years to come.

Thank you.