Thank you, Mister Chair. The UK supports a strong, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. As I explained last week, this has always been the UK’s position, both before and during this unnecessary war. Our priority is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for achieving this.
President Trump has changed the conversation and created an opportunity to end the fighting and bloodshed. Ukraine – the victim of unprovoked aggression – has made it absolutely clear that it is serious about peace.
As my PM has made clear, we warmly welcome the agreement reached in Jeddah on 11th March proposing an immediate 30-day ceasefire and congratulate President Trump and President Zelenskyy for this remarkable breakthrough. The ball is now in Russia’s court to show the world that it is interested in peace and to live up to the rhetoric that it is ready for talks.
Since this Council last met, we have seen further evidence of the awful consequences of this war, which are overwhelmingly borne by the civilian population. A few hours after our meeting closed last week, Russia launched 70 missiles and 200 drones at civilian infrastructure in Ukraine – one of the largest single attacks of the war. The following day a further 25 people were killed in another wave of attacks, including in a ‘double-tap’ strike which sought to kill and maim emergency service workers.
This is an important moment for peace in Ukraine. We must all redouble our efforts to secure a lasting and just peace as soon as possible. The UK is ready to play its part, including by convening this weekend a meeting of countries who are ready to support a ceasefire. We are ready to help bring an end to this war in a just and permanent way that allows Ukraine to enjoy its freedom.
Thank you.
