Exactly two weeks ago, Mr. Chair, we in this Council reminded Russia of its responsibilities under international law to safeguard people, infrastructure, and anyone seeking medical assistance, including combatants.
We also reminded Russia of the negative effects of disregarding these commitments.
But once more, we are given additional proof of Russia’s callous disdain for human life in the course of its unlawful invasion.
Reading the second Moscow Mechanism report, which details Russia’s continuous targeting of medical institutions and staff in clear violation of international humanitarian law, was depressing.
The WHO claims that Russian forces have regularly assaulted medical institutions in Ukraine, targeting hospitals, ambulances, medical personnel, patients, and even infants.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, at least 395 attacks have been documented, primarily affecting the most vulnerable and marginalised populations in Ukraine, including women, children, minority groups, the disabled, and the elderly.
We won’t stand by while these actions are carried out.
Numerous people have suffered both physical and mental injuries as a result of Russia’s invasion, and when they most needed medical attention, they were denied it.
It’s callous and abhorrent.
Many more people are at risk of developing health issues due to decreased access to routine and preventative healthcare, including pharmacy services, sexual and reproductive health care, and vaccination for diseases like COVID-19 and polio.
This is in addition to those who have been hurt as a direct result of the Russian government’s actions.
Additionally, organisations like Médecins Sans Frontières and UNICEF have documented the invasion’s catastrophic consequences on mental health, particularly in children who have been hurt, have witnessed violent actions, and have been uprooted from the comfort of their homes.
Although the UK is the greatest donor to the UN Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, we are worried that this aid won’t go to everyone who so desperately needs it.
The “catastrophic” circumstances in the regions that Russia temporarily controls were emphasised in the Moscow Mechanism report.
Due to a lack of pharmaceuticals, major cities like Kherson may experience a humanitarian disaster, yet humanitarian relief organisations are unable to supply the supplies and medical knowledge that are urgently required.
The WHO has issued warnings about a lack of antibiotics for treating wounds sustained in combat, patients unable to receive early cancer diagnosis and treatment, people unable to access medications to treat hypertension, and diabetics unable to access insulin, all of which could lead to deteriorating health and avoidable deaths.
Additionally, we have heard horrifying accounts of “filtration camps,” missing persons cases, and unauthorised detentions in these regions.
We were horrified and startled to read that British national Paul Urey had reportedly died in the care of Russian proxies in eastern Ukraine.
While performing humanitarian work in Ukraine, Mr. Urey, a civilian, was jailed.
I’ll say it again: “The Russian government and its proxies continue to perpetrate atrocities,” said my foreign secretary.
The culprits will be held accountable.
Mr. Urey’s death must be entirely blamed on Russia.
In the same way that Russia must take full responsibility for the countless other deaths of people who were arbitrarily detained and subjected to torture, of people who were attacked in hospitals and medical facilities when they were most vulnerable, of courageous and selfless medical staff who only wanted to assist and heal, and of 4-year-old Liza Dmitrieva who was killed while returning from a speech therapy session in Vinnytsia.
Tragically, the list keeps going.
Liza, all those who have suffered, and those who have perished at the hands of President Putin will receive justice, and so will everyone else.
He alone has the power to put an end to this horror and bloodshed, but he chooses not to, as has been noted numerous times.
We will support and stand by Ukraine in their struggle against the tyranny of Russia through humanitarian aid, as well as our promises on military aid, economic assistance, sanctions, and accountability.
Russia has already lost on a number of fronts.
It must immediately put a stop to this unlawful conflict, remove all of its forces from Ukraine, and accept accountability for its deeds.