Russia is waging this war of aggression with weapons from Iran: UK statement to Security Council
Thank you Mr President and I thank the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs for her presentation.
Mr President, I will be brief because we discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine just three days ago.
During this meeting, we heard Under-Secretary-General Griffiths’ harrowing account of the horrific consequences of the Russian war and his deep concern about the effects of systematic attacks on critical infrastructure and civilian centers in Ukraine, in particular as winter approaches. We have just seen other OHCHR reports on potential atrocities against civilians committed by Russia.
The irony, given the topic of this meeting, is that Russia is waging this war with weapons sourced from Iran in violation of Resolution 2231, and is almost certainly seeking to source weapons from other sanctioned states. by the UN like North Korea as its own stocks dwindle.
We note that despite resounding calls from this Council again on Tuesday for a ceasefire, and for peace, meaningful dialogue and diplomacy, the Russian President doubled down on Wednesday, confirming that the invasion would continue and that it would continue. He also reaffirmed the neo-imperialist nature of the campaign, saying that unlike Peter the Great, he had made the Sea of Azov an inland Russian sea.
Mr President, in the face of Russia’s relentless efforts to seize Ukrainian territory in violation of the United Nations Charter and to dehumanise, kill and subjugate its people, Ukraine has no choice but to exercise his right to defend himself. If not, it would cease to exist. In a similar situation, we would all do the same thing. And because of the deep determination to live, Ukraine prevails.
The UK is proud of the support it is giving to the people of Ukraine in the face of this aggression, whether defensive, humanitarian or helping to rebuild critical infrastructure destroyed by Russian attacks.
Mr. President, Russia can end this suffering immediately by ceasing attacks on Ukraine, including critical national infrastructure and innocent civilians, and withdrawing all of its forces illegally present in Ukraine.
We welcome and support Ukraine’s initiative for a just and lasting peace. We again join the international community in calling on Russia to similarly engage in meaningful dialogue and negotiations based on respect for Ukraine’s rights under international law and the Charter of Nations. United.
Thank you President.
