I appreciate it, Chair. I want to start by summarising what has happened since Russia invaded its democratic and sovereign neighbour on February 24.
Since then, Russia has continued to use brutal methods that were previously believed to be obsolete.
The Russian government has repeatedly attacked civilians and civilian infrastructure out of disregard for international law and out of cowardice.
Cities in Ukraine were vibrant, wealthy hubs 155 days ago. 20 million of the now-displaced Ukrainians were living in peace in their own houses 155 days ago.
350 other Ukrainian children, including 4-year-old Liza, 7-year-old Maxim, and 8-year-old Kirill, had their entire lives ahead of them 155 days ago.
On February 24, however, the Russian administration was unaware that they would later regret putting Ukraine and its allies to the test.
President Putin tried to subdue Ukraine, but he ran into a nation that wouldn’t budge.
President Putin must have realised how egregiously he severely miscalculated the bravery and will of the Ukrainian people when Russian forces withdrew, defeated, from Kyiv.
It is evident after 155 days that President Putin cannot and will not enslave Ukraine.
After 155 days, the UK and our allies are still fully committed to supporting Ukraine and defending its sovereignty.
Mr. Chair, the effects of Russia’s aggression are felt throughout the world even as Ukraine continues to pay a terrible price for its freedom.
Prior to February 24th, Ukraine was a major exporter of grains and vegetable oils, helping to feed hundreds of millions of people around the world.
Some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people are in danger of starving to death as a result of President Putin’s activities.
The World Food Programme predicts that up to 47 million additional people might experience severe food insecurity this year if Russia’s violence persists.
The war is threatening to unleash “an unparalleled flood of starvation and destitution, leaving social and economic disaster in its wake,” the UN Secretary General has warned.
The extent of the misery is absolutely atrocious.
We must enable President Putin to use the world’s food supply as leverage to lift the sanctions that are crippling his war machine.
We salute Turkey and the UN Secretary General for their efforts to mediate a deal that would permit the transfer of millions of tonnes of grain through secure channels in Ukrainian waters.
But it’s evident to us that this deal is only necessary to address a crisis brought on by Russia.
Grain exports from Ukraine were halted by Russia, and Russia has the key to resuming them.
It is totally abhorrent that Russia launched missile strikes on the port of Odesa just one day after coming to an agreement.
The world will be looking for Russia to adhere to its deal and permit safe shipment from Ukraine.
The international community needs to come together and let the Russian leadership know that its actions are wrong and will not be accepted.
The UK firmly supports those who are most adversely impacted by the world food crisis, and we will keep giving those in need of humanitarian assistance and financial support.
The UK will contribute £3 billion in global humanitarian aid over the next three years and spearhead a more effective global response to humanitarian emergencies.
Mr. Chair, five months after its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has left a trail of death and destruction in its wake.
We must continue to hold Russia jointly responsible for its actions in the Ukraine and around the world.
Additionally, we must keep standing by Ukraine as it defends its nation. Ukraine merits tranquilly.
Along with our allies, I once more urge Russia to ensure the rapid release of any national Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) personnel still held in custody.
The Mission and its committed employees have been carrying out their responsibilities for the past 8 years with the highest professionalism and objectivity, as the Acting Chief Monitor made clear on Monday.
It is disgraceful the false and exaggerated charges Russia has made against it.
Finally, the UK will continue to closely monitor Russia’s actions on the ground as the summertime approaches.
The Ukrainian people, who continue to give their lives in the sake of peace, independence, and the integrity of their nation, have no time to rest. We support them.