Russia continues to present international support for Ukraine as an escalation driven by Western hostility or alleged Russophobia. That claim is false, and it is an attempt to obscure a central truth. What brought us to this point was Russia’s decision to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, following its illegal annexation of Crimea and destabilisation of eastern Ukraine in 2014.
The use of force against a sovereign neighbour was a deliberate choice. So too was the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the disregard for commitments under the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. These choices are the true root causes of the insecurity that we are discussing.
Mr Chair, NATO is a defensive alliance. Its purpose is to protect the territory and populations of its members. Its collective defence arrangements are designed to deter aggression, not to threaten others.
The measures Russia now regularly raises, including increased defence spending and readiness, are a reaction to Russia’s own actions. They did not precede them. Governments have responded to the willingness by Russia to use military force to alter borders. And support for Ukraine should be understood in the same way. It is not an act of escalation. Ukraine is exercising its inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Ukraine did not attack Russia on 24 February 2022. It continues to face sustained attacks on its cities and infrastructure. The United Kingdom’s support, and that of many others, helps Ukraine defend its people, its territory and its sovereignty against an ongoing armed attack. Other states are not obliged to stand aside whilst the rules protecting all of us are broken. The United Kingdom’s position is consistent and clear. We are not seeking conflict with Russia.
We are not driven by hostility or prejudice towards the Russian people. Our policy is grounded in the principles that all participating States, including Russia, have committed to uphold sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force. Those principles are the safeguards for our mutual security. If they can be set aside in Ukraine, they are weakened for every state represented here, all of you, including Russia.
The way to reduce escalation is available now. At the UN Security Council meeting on 9 July, members called for de-escalation, protection of civilians and a ceasefire. Russia should heed those calls. It should stop its attacks, accept a ceasefire and engage seriously in negotiations towards a just and lasting peace.
Russia started this war. It has the power to end it.
Thank you.