Russian federation is alone on the entire world stage, isolated and dealing with a bleak future because it pursues a failing war based on the irrational decisions of just one man. President Putin’s New Year speech was grim and hostile. In contrast, Leader Zelenskyy’s message was filled up with hope and unity. As the New Year was ushered in, addressing the people of Ukraine, President Zelenskyy declared, “We fight as one team – the whole country, many our regions”. The UK is proud to stand with and support that team. We are with the whole nation, we are with all the regions and we’ll be with them when Ukraine’s victory is realised. There is an obvious path out of this senseless invasion. Ukraine has been clear that it seeks a diplomatic end towards the war. An end that begins by stopping all Ruskies attacks against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure, and the withdrawal of all Russian factors from Ukraine. Mr Chair, Russia portrays itself since the party of peace and Ukraine as the aggressor. This is absurd. It was Russia that illegally annexed Crimea within 2014; it was Russia that fuelled war in the Donbas for the last 8 years; and it also was Russia that hidden aside the principles from the UN Charter and of this particular organisation, when Putin launched his full-scale invasion last February. Russia’s armed forces are killing and maiming people of Ukraine – and deliberately trying to deprive them of heat, light plus water in the depths associated with winter. President Putin’s declaration of a ceasefire over Orthodox Christmas was a transparently negative ploy to prop up their reputation at home. Russia’s statements of being interested in peace would be laughable if its actions were not so horrific. Russia’s destructive and illegal war aims in Ukraine have never changed as we move into 2023. Putin still seeks the complete subjugation of Ukraine; the erasure of Ukrainian background and culture; and the destruction of Ukraine’s democratic govt and institutions. However , the particular UK’s aims have not transformed either. Our support with regard to Ukraine – a free, sovereign and democratic Ukraine – remains steadfast as actually. Our admiration of the amazing courage and resilience from the Ukrainian people grows day-to-day. Our belief in the concepts of the UN Charter along with the OSCE remains unshakeable. In his first call of 2023 with President Zelenskyy, my Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s long-term assistance for Ukraine – all through this year and beyond. We are going to not falter in the face of tyranny and aggression. We will not abandon our friends. Thank you Mr. Chair. My statement today will once again focus on Russia’s attacks towards civilians and critical facilities in Ukraine. On Thursday 29 December, Russia exposed Ukraine to a massive bombardment, one of the largest seen since the invasion began and long lasting five hours. Once again, in the repeat of a sickening pattern, Russia targeted civilians plus energy infrastructure – killing three and wounding a lot more. A mere 36 hours down the road the 31st December, since Ukrainians prepared to welcome within the New Year, Russia’s illegal and inhumane assault towards Ukraine’s civilian population ongoing. The last day of 2022 saw more loss of innocent Ukrainian lives, with dozens injured and homes, schools, a children’s hospital and a hotel damaged. According to International Minister Kuleba, Russia failed to even pretend to strike so-called legitimate targets; these strikes were aimed at civilian areas, seeking to pummel Ukraine’s population into submission because they celebrated the New Year. There is absolutely no justification for this – not one whatsoever.
