Ambassador Holland highlights Russia's intensified attacks on Ukrainian civilians, unlawful detentions-including OSCE staff-and systematic violations documented by ODIHR. The UK urges Russia to respect international law and end its campaign of aggression against Ukraine.
Thank you, Mr Chair.
As we conclude this year's work at the Permanent Council, the UK wishes to reiterate its profound concern at Russia's ongoing campaign against Ukraine, and the grave consequences for civilians, including the OSCE's own staff, and respect for international law.
This week's Eighth Interim Report from ODIHR documents a further intensification of Russia's use of explosive weapons with wide area effects in urban areas, resulting in a sharp rise in civilian casualties and widespread destruction of critical infrastructure. ODIHR's findings are clear: from June to November 2025, verified civilian casualties in Ukrainian Government-controlled areas increased by 40% compared to the previous six months. The report also details systematic attacks on humanitarian operations, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, and conflict-related sexual violence perpetrated by Russian authorities. For instance, during the second half of 2025, ODIHR documented 21 testimonies of conflict-related sexual violence committed by members of the Russian armed forces or Russian authorities. For the first time, ODIHR documented evidence of female detainees being coerced by detention facility administration into sexual acts in exchange for food and cigarettes.
Russia has intensified its attacks even as peace talks continue, including strikes on medical facilities, schools, and energy infrastructure. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with access to water, electricity, and essential services severely restricted, particularly in Russian-occupied territories where independent international actors face significant barriers to access.
ODIHR's report highlights the arbitrary detention of Ukrainian civilians in Russian-occupied territories, which corresponds to the constitutive elements of hostage-taking. On this topic, Mr Chair, I want to reiterate the UK's concern about the continued unlawful detention of OSCE SMM staff: Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov. We urge the Russian authorities to release our OSCE colleagues - and all arbitrarily detained civilians - and allow them to return home to their families. Their continued detention is an affront to the principles of this organisation.
The path to peace requires Russia to cease its attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, end forced deportations and arbitrary detentions, and return to full compliance with international law, including the Helsinki Final Act.
Mr Chair, the UK hopes this is the last time we must address the Permanent Council against the backdrop of Russia's war. The only obstacle to peace is Russia's continued determination to wage a war of aggression. The suffering must end.
Thank you.
