Ukraine must have a central role in shaping its future: UK Statement to the OSCE
Politico-Military Counsellor Ankur Narayan says that the UK’s priority is to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for negotiations.
Thank you, Mr Chair. The UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine is unwavering. Our support is not only about providing military assistance, which remains crucial in ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, but also about standing by Ukraine as it seeks a just and lasting peace. As we take stock, it seems timely to reiterate the importance of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act.
Principle I includes the phrase: ‘Sovereign equality, respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty, including the right to belong or not to belong to international organisations.’
On 14 February the Prime Minister yet again reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s irreversible path to NATO and has since called for ongoing support from Allies, as agreed at the Washington Summit last year. Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO reflects its desire for security and recognition of shared values on democracy, rule of law, and human rights. The UK believes Ukraine’s NATO membership would strengthen the Alliance and contribute to European stability and security. NATO has shown its commitment to Ukraine’s security through military support, training, and intelligence-sharing, and remains determined to assist Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Principle III includes the phrase: ‘Inviolability of frontiers. States will refrain from any demand for, or act of, seizure and usurpation of part or all of the territory of any participating State.’
Principle IV includes the phrase: ‘Territorial integrity of States. States will refrain from making each other’s territory the object of military occupation or other measures of force in contravention of international law. No such occupation or acquisition will be recognized as legal.’
We all want to reach a durable peace as soon as possible, no one more so than Ukraine. Russia could end this war tomorrow, if Russia chose to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and withdraw its troops. A just and lasting peace is only possible if we continue to show strength and provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself against continued Russian aggression. The UK stands firmly with Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and security.
Principle V includes the phrase: ‘Peaceful settlement of disputes. States will use means such as negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, or other peaceful means of their choice, including any settlement procedure agreed to in advance of disputes to which they are parties.’
We understand that peace cannot be achieved through force alone but through a comprehensive, diplomatic process that respects the rights and aspirations of the Ukrainian people. And we must be clear that peace cannot come at any cost. It is vital that Ukraine’s voice is at the heart of any talks. President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have shown the most extraordinary resilience. This is why the UK continues to work closely with its allies to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for legitimate negotiation when the time comes.
Peace comes through strength. This is the moment for us all to step up – and the PM has made clear that the UK will do so, because it is the right thing to do for the values we hold dear, and because it is fundamental to our own national security. Ukraine needs strong security guarantees, further lethal aid, and a sovereign future. The UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine. This includes further support for Ukraine’s military – where the UK has already committed £3 billion a year until at least 2030.
In closing, it is critical to note that Ukraine is still fighting with immense courage. Our priority is to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for negotiations, and we believe Ukraine’s future is in NATO, as a member of a secure and stable Europe. The UK remains resolute in its belief that Ukraine must have a central role in shaping its future. This illegal war instigated by Russia can end only when Russia chooses to withdraw its forces and cease its unlawful aggression, allowing Ukraine to chart its own course free from external threats. At this crucial moment, we will not step back but step up our support to Ukraine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.