Distinguished fellow delegates, it is a pleasure to be here today.
We salute President Zelensky’s leadership, and the courage of the Ukrainian people.
The United Kingdom is proud to be here, standing alongside Ukraine, today and always – committed to justice and lasting peace.
This is indeed a landmark moment – an unprecedented step towards accountability for Russia’s appalling crimes against Ukraine.
The UK is proud to sign this treaty, which stands as a beacon of hope for every family and community affected by that aggression.
It also sends a clear message to Putin that aggression and violations of international law will not go unanswered.
Because Russia’s attacks shock the conscience
Bombarding homes and kindergartens.
Stealing children from Ukraine, deporting and brainwashing them.
I, like many of you, have been in beautiful Kyiv and Ukraine under bombardment by drones and missiles.
I’ve seen the civilian buildings and infrastructure reduced to rubble.
The bunkers where Ukrainian children have to do their lessons underground.
And the destruction is hard to comprehend unless you’ve seen it face to face.
The Register of Damage has already received more than 90,000 submissions – and up to ten million claims may follow.
Behind each is a family, a business, a community shattered by Russian aggression.
But Ukrainians are a resilient people.
They are looking to a future beyond this conflict – and so are we.
But it is vital to hold Russia to account.
This Commission will enable Ukrainians to rebuild their homes, their communities, and their lives.
We meet at a critical time, with US-led peace talks ongoing, and we welcome efforts to end the killing and the destruction.
And yesterday, our Prime Minister, in Berlin, with many fellow European leaders discussed these issues with President Zelenskyy, President von der Leyen and others.
And at this pivotal moment we continue to engage at the highest levels while ramping up support to Ukraine, and pressure on Putin.
But we cannot wait for peace to pursue justice. Because without justice, there can be no lasting peace.
And I am confident that future generations will look back on this treaty as a key moment in the fight for accountability.
The United Kingdom will continue to support the Commission’s development, building on our leading role chairing the Register of Damage.
And we’ll keep working with all of you – our international friends and partners.
My thanks go in particular to the Dutch government for their leadership, the Council of Europe and the Secretary General for their vital role, and all delegations for their perseverance.
Above all, we are grateful to the Ukrainian negotiating team for reminding us that this work cannot wait.
So today is an important step.
Let’s keep up the momentum for justice and a sustainable peace.