Ukrainian Independence Day 2025: UK Assertion to the OSCE

Thank you, Madam Chair.   

Yesterday, Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day – the day in 1991 when the nation declared independence from the previous USSR.  The Ukrainian folks overwhelmingly backed this resolution, with 92% voting in favour of independence.  That selection was recognised by the worldwide neighborhood, together with the Russian Federation, and Ukraine took its rightful place as a sovereign nation amongst equals. 

34 years later, the Ukrainian folks as soon as once more discover themselves in a battle for freedom.  Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainians have fought heroically for his or her homeland and their proper to exist.  Russia’s battle of aggression is just not merely about territory, it’s about Ukraine’s existence as an impartial, sovereign nation and folks.  President Putin’s goal, from the start, seems to be the top of Ukraine as a separate, impartial entity.  

So, whereas yesterday’s anniversary was a celebration of nationwide sovereignty, id and tradition, it was additionally a solemn reminder of the worth Ukrainians proceed to pay to defend them.  Their combat is just not for some summary beliefs that matter solely to Russia and Ukraine.  These are the ideas that kind the foundations of Euro-Atlantic safety, together with sovereign equality and territorial integrity.  They are enshrined within the Helsinki Final Act and matter to us all.  Three weeks in the past, all of us gathered in Helsinki to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Act’s adoption, however it’s Ukrainians who’re defending them daily on the entrance traces. 

This is why Ukraine’s future and the best way that Russia’s unlawful battle involves an finish is necessary for us all. We should safe a simply and lasting peace that ensures the Ukrainian folks by no means need to stay in concern of assault once more.  Future anniversaries shouldn’t be interrupted by air raid sirens and drone strikes.   

Russia should return the Ukrainian kids that it has illegally deported and people it has been forcing into navy coaching to line up on the entrance line towards their households and compatriots.  It should stop its systematic efforts to eradicate Ukrainian id via brainwashing and corrupting the training of kids.  It should cease the compelled passportisation of Ukrainians, obliging them to change into Russian nationals or threat being compelled out of their homeland.  It should additionally launch the three SMM employees that it has detained arbitrarily – Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov. 

The United Kingdom welcomes President Trump’s efforts to finish Russia’s battle of aggression and obtain a simply and lasting peace.  We are clear that Ukraine should have ironclad safety ensures to successfully defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The Coalition of the Willing is able to play an energetic function.  This is necessary progress and will likely be essential in deterring President Putin from coming again for extra.  

As we now have stated earlier than, we’ll choose President Putin by his actions, not his phrases.  We have but to see concrete proof that he’s severe about ending this battle.   

Until peace is secured, the UK will hold tightening the screws on Russia’s battle machine.  We will proceed our navy, humanitarian and diplomatic help.  And we’ll use each platform – together with this one – to name out Russia’s violations of its commitments and reaffirm our steadfast help for Ukraine’s independence. 

Madam Chair, permit me to conclude by congratulating the folks of Ukraine on their Independence Day.  Their braveness conjures up us, and their resilience strengthens us. The United Kingdom stands with them at this time, tomorrow, and for so long as it takes.  Thank you.