Ambassador Holland rejected Russia’s selective historical claims to Ukrainian territory, stressing that modern borders rest on international law and commitments between sovereign states. The UK welcomed the humanitarian resp…
The United Kingdom welcomes the ceasefire that recently took place in Oleshky. It enabled humanitarian assistance and the evacuation of hundreds of civilians from desperate conditions, demonstrating the immediate benefit of even a limited pause in the fighting.
It also showed that humanitarian arrangements are possible where political will exists. But, much as we are grateful for her action, it should not require the personal intervention of the First Lady of the United States to secure six days of safety for civilians.
Russian attacks continued elsewhere in Ukraine during and immediately after the pause in Oleshky. Russian strikes on a railway station in Dnipro last week, and on a humanitarian aid distribution point and nearby shelter in Komyshuvakha this week, killed at least 55 civilians. These attacks underline the need for a comprehensive ceasefire, rather than brief and exceptional pauses.
Ukraine has accepted the proposal from the United States for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. That offer remains on the table. Russia continues to refuse it and to pursue maximalist demands that would deprive Ukraine of sovereignty over its territory, security and future.