The facts of Russia’s war against Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE
The UK reiterated Russia’s violations of international law and commitments in its war against Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks.
The UK Deputy Ambassador to the OSCE outlined Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, which violated its 1994 Budapest Memorandum commitments to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and borders. Russia’s 2014 seizure of Crimea and subsequent eight-year conflict in eastern Ukraine were cited as prior violations of international law and agreements.
On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, despite denying any intent to attack beforehand. The UK highlighted Russia’s dismissal of warnings as ‘unsubstantiated conjectures’ and ‘scare stories’ before the invasion, which breached the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act principles.
The UK noted that Russia’s war has persisted for 1,681 days, far exceeding its initial expectation of a three-day conflict. Russia continues to escalate attacks, with missile and drone strikes on Ukraine reaching new wartime records in 2024, according to documented reports.
The UK called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and serious negotiations toward a just peace, as Ukraine has accepted such terms. Russia has refused, but retains the power to end the war. The UK reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s right to self-defence under international law.