Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Russia for its incursion into Ukraine, charging the nation with “treating [its] own citizens as mere fodder to be thrown into the fray”.
During his address at the United Nations Security Council in New York – directly facing a Russian delegate – the British prime minister accused the country of perpetrating “the most significant breach of the [UN] charter in a generation”.
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Sir Keir asserted: “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is unlawful. It jeopardizes global stability. Additionally, it has resulted in immense human suffering.
“More than 35,000 civilians have lost their lives or sustained injuries, six million have been compelled to escape, and nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly taken – in simple terms, kidnapped.
“Six hundred thousand Russian troops have also been killed or injured in this conflict. And for what purpose?”
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The prime minister questioned how Russia could “appear in this venue”, stating: “The UN Charter, which they are here to uphold, articulates the principle of human dignity – not the dismissive treatment of your own citizens as mere fodder to be cast into the fray.”
He demanded “responsibility”, addressing the council: “There must be accountability. Aggression must not be rewarded. Borders cannot be altered by force.
“Russia initiated this unlawful war. It must bring it to an end – and withdraw from Ukraine.”
Sir Keir also reaffirmed his appeals for ceasefires in the conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza, as well as in Sudan, stating that there needs to be “political solutions that can disrupt persistent cycles of violence”.
“In this moment of escalating conflict, the world looks to this council more than ever for guidance towards peace, to safeguard our collective security, and to protect the most vulnerable,” he added.
“The United Kingdom is committed to playing its full role in fulfilling that responsibility.”
