Ukraine鈥檚 Security is our Security. Only a Just Peace Can Secure Ukraine鈥檚 Future: UK Statement to the OSCE
UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says that a sustained ceasefire is the quickest route to stop the killing. The UK supports ending the war in Ukraine through a just peace, while Russia obstructs progress.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Last week, we discussed the Code of Conduct, including its stipulation that 鈥淚n the event of armed conflict, they will seek to facilitate the effective cessation of hostilities and seek to create conditions favourable to the political solution of the conflict鈥�.
To that end, the UK shares President Trump鈥檚 desire to bring this war to an end, and will continue to work closely with the US, Ukraine and other international partners to secure a just and lasting peace.聽 We thank T眉rkiye for hosting talks in Istanbul, including earlier this week. This is a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent. Only a lasting peace in Ukraine that safeguards its sovereignty will deter President Putin from further aggression in the future.
As we have noted each week, Ukraine continues to show its commitment to peace: Its constructive engagement with US peace efforts at every turn; agreement in principle to a full and unconditional ceasefire; sending a senior and empowered delegation to Istanbul; and President Zelenskyy鈥檚 readiness to meet President Putin face to face.
Russia, on the other hand, has taken steps to obstruct the pathway to peace. 聽President Putin continues to reject a complete, unconditional and immediate 30-day ceasefire that President Zelenskyy endorsed nearly three months ago; refused to share his memorandum on terms for ending this illegal war in advance of Monday鈥檚 meeting; and rejected President Zelenskyy鈥檚 call for a direct meeting.
We continue to call on Russia to agree a full and unconditional ceasefire to create the space for negotiations on a framework for a lasting peace. 聽A sustained ceasefire is the quickest route to stop the killing. Ukraine鈥檚 security is our security. UK support for Ukraine remains iron-clad, and our support will be sustained. Thank you, Madame Chair.