British Goverment has reacted to the report from the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights last week stated that Russian air strikes between February and August, 2023 killed at least 262 civilians, injured 990, and inflicted broad economic and social damage.
In a statement by the United Kingdom Ambassador, Barbara Woodward at the Security Council meeting on Ukraine on Monday stated that Russian colleagues will drag members into their world of disinformation, where facts are dismissed as lies, and lies presented as facts.
According to her, “President, on Thursday, people in New York woke to news of yet another Russian attack against Ukraine. This time, Russia was responsible for deaths of more than 50 people in the small village of Hroza when a missile struck a café, and we extend our condolences to the bereaved.
“The same OHCHR report addressed the attack on 28 July 2022 that killed more than 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war at Olenivka. Contrary to Russian claims made many times in this Council, OHCHR found attack was launched from Russian-controlled territory, and that Russia was holding those prisoners in a manner that contravenes international humanitarian law”.
The Ambassador emphasized on the words of the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak who said, the attack demonstrates the depths of depravity Russian forces are willing to sink to, adding that on Friday, Russia struck Kharkiv. A 10-year-old boy was killed and more than 20 people were injured.
She said contrary to the Russian claims, made many times in UN Security Council, the Human Rights found the attack was launched from Russian-controlled territory, and that Russia was holding those prisoners in a manner that contravenes international humanitarian law.
UK Ambassador stated that Russia’s words in the the UN Security Council are worthless to those who want to understand Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its true cost.
While reminded the Council of some facts that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is illegal, as is Russia’s control of Ukrainian territory inside Ukraine’s internationally- recognised borders.
“That the body of evidence of Russia’s breaches of international law and international humanitarian law in the course of its invasion continues to grow. Just as Russian claims about the attack at Olenivka have been disproved, the truth will catch up with Russia’s lies”.
She said the Council praise and admire the bravery and resolve of the Ukrainian people in the face of this assault on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We thank the United Nations staff whose record of Russian human rights violations and abuses, as well as violations of international law, show the reality of Russia’s invasion, and support future efforts toward justice.
“We will continue to support Ukraine in exercising its right to self-defence, and as it brings together Member States in support of our shared goal of a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.
“We call once more for Russia to end its illegal invasion, and withdraw from Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders”, UK Ambassador said.
