Thank you, Madam President. As we have said countless times in this room, Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack on a sovereign democratic state.
Russia’s aggression began in 2014, when it illegally annexed Crimea. And we have watched Russia’s attempts to land grab further ground since the start of its full-scale invasion two years ago.
Now, in the areas of Ukraine it claims to have annexed, Russia is holding its presidential elections against the will of the Ukrainian people. This is another blatant attempt by Russia to apply a veneer of legitimacy to its illegal presence in Ukraine. And this is yet another violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles that are fundamental to the Helsinki Final Act, which Russia has shredded.
The UK echoes the ODIHR in strongly condemning Russia for holding its presidential election in Ukraine, which is contrary to international law, including the UN Charter. To be absolutely clear, these so-called “elections” on the sovereign territory of Ukraine are illegal.
Many of us pointed out last week what 10 years of Russian rule had done to the people of Crimea, and international reports paint a stark picture of life in the territories temporarily under Russian control. Russia and its proxies have committed numerous violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of international human rights law. This includes enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture, forced deportations and summary executions. Russia has attempted to erase Ukrainian identity and language through forced passports and enforcement of Russian law, media, education and currency. Russia has also taken further steps to manipulate the demographics of these regions through internal migration of the Russian population. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian population is relentlessly oppressed and forced to flee.
In this environment of fear and intimidation, Ukrainians are now expected to take part in these sham elections. Russia has no legal basis for any such action on the territory of Ukraine. Reports have already emerged of door-to-door visits by armed military personnel forcing residents to vote. The UK has been clear, we will never recognize Russia’s attempts to consolidate its illegal control over Ukrainian territory, which is in breach of the UN Charter. We will not recognize the results of any fake referendums or elections. Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Crimea are all part of Ukraine. Holding sham elections in these areas will not change that fact. The UK will continue to stand for the freedom and democratic will of the people of Ukraine who are bravely resisting Russian aggression in pursuit of an independent and sovereign Ukraine.
Madam President, Russia must follow international law and commitments both inside and outside its borders. The UK does not dispute Russia’s right to hold presidential elections on its sovereign territory, but Ukraine is not sovereign Russian territory. We echo ODIHR’s concerns about Russia’s failure to invite OSCE observers to its elections. This is in violation of the commitments he has made to all of us here.
The only path to peace is if Russia stops its illegal war, withdraws all its forces and military equipment from Ukraine, and respects the will of the Ukrainian people for a fully independent and democratic Ukraine. Thanks.
