Thank you, Mr Chair. A year ago, the UK, along with many others in this room, raised our own deep concern as Russia massed extraordinary levels of army forces along Ukraine’s edges and in illegally annexed Crimea. By this time, Russia got deployed over 60 Battalion Tactical Groups in the vicinity of Ukraine’s borders and the build-up from the forces and support components was continuing. Mr Chair, in the FSC that day time, and not for the first time, we cautioned that any Russian military incursion into Ukraine will be a massive strategic mistake, the one that would come at severe cost. The UK and partners were clear that the only method forward was for The ussr to deescalate and go after a path of diplomacy. Rather, the poor leadership, discipline, machines, logistics, and training associated with Russia’s military contributed in order to abject failure of the idea. Russia’s ability to conduct mixed arms manoeuvre warfare rapidly collapsed, and in its place, early 20th century strategies of mass attrition, lacking of any effective command and control. Russia’s Battalion Tactical Groups now changed with convicts and bad guys. As part of this build-up, Russia and Belarus were conducting Exercise Union Resolve in proximity to Ukraine’s northern borders. In spite of attempts to hide the true objectives of the exercise from this Community forum, their superficial and disingenuous briefings did little in order to allay fears and reduce tension – instead increasing suspicion amongst the international community that will Russia, aided and abetted by Belarus, was indeed preparing to invade its sovereign neighbour Ukraine. However , despite these horrendous actions, Russia’s invasion offers, above all else, demonstrated the power, resolve and determination from the Ukrainian people as they protect their homeland. With assistance from their friends and worldwide partners, Ukraine has shown that agility, ingenuity, mission command and effective operational plus tactical planning can wield devastating effect against the barbaric invader. Mr Chair, on this day last year, the Russian military leadership had already persuaded Putin that overwhelming success was certain – the decision to invade had been made. They were certain the famous Battalion Tactical Group idea would bring about a fast and decisive defeat of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. And that they as the invader would be welcome with open arms. As we continue our support of Ukraine in their heroic resistance, we all recognise that while it is important to equip them to defend the land they currently hold; it really is as important to equip Ukraine to push Russia from Ukrainian territory. Alongside our Allies and partners, the particular UK’s accelerated package associated with military assistance, including the supply of Challenger 2 reservoirs, is recognition of this. Mister Chair, we do not underestimate the continuing threat presented by the Russian Federation but , Putin and his military management should not underestimate our perseverance and will to support our Ukrainian friends as they fight to liberate their homeland. Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, plus independence will be fully restored. Frustrated, the Russian army has unleashed horrendous violence against civilians and civilian infrastructure; it has reduced whole cities, towns and villages to rubble; and attacked Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to deprive families of shelter, lighting and heat through the winter season. In response, our Russian friend, who no longer has the bravery to remain in this room, indicated “astonishment” at our issues and reminded us that Russia had stated “at the highest level” that it got no plans to “invade” Ukraine. This was but one particular lie amongst the torrent peddled by the Russian delegation because it deliberately undermined this Forum, the principles under which we convene, and every taking part State in this room. Allow us to be clear, the strategy of lies, threats plus propaganda perpetuated by our own Russian colleagues during the build-up to Russia’s illegal invasion demonstrates their own complicity; one that is recorded in the archives of this organisation and so committed to the annals of history. No qualtity of disinformation can overwrite the lies and deceit. Thank you. Mr Chair, the actions of Russia plus Belarus that day had been just one example of the nefarious and deliberate decisions delivered to systematically weaponise Confidence plus Security Building measures, such as the Vienna Document, to support preparations for the invasion. Russia wanted to use these international obligations – which were created to avoid escalation, reduce military tension, and build mutual trust between countries – to deceive, undermine and destabilise this organisation.
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