Thank you, Madam Chair. It is with deep concern that I draw colleagues’ attention to reports of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) sending combat troops to Russia. Our assessment is that it is highly likely that the transfer of these troops has begun. Russia has already procured significant munitions and arms from DPRK, in direct violation of multiple UN resolutions. The DPRK will surely extract a heavy price for its support. This has security implications for the OSCE region and should be of concern to us all.
Madam Chair, at the beginning of its full-scale invasion, Russia attempted to blockade Ukrainian ports in a cynical attempt to choke Ukraine’s economy. Under the July 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative, Ukrainian grain was again able to reach those who needed it most across the world. Regrettably, Russia unilaterally withdrew from the Initiative after one year and began missile strikes on Ukrainian ports and grain storage facilities. 300,000 tonnes of grain were destroyed between August and October 2023.
Since then, Russia has repeatedly demonstrated its disregard for global food security and international principles, including freedom of navigation, the bedrock of global trade. Between 5 and 14 October, Russian missiles struck four civilian ships in deliberate attacks on export infrastructure in Odesa, killing at least 10 innocent civilians and injuring many more.
To obscure its illegal actions, last week Russia made false claims about the cargo these ships were carrying and threatened to continue targeting civilian ships using Ukrainian ports. It is unacceptable to target ships engaged only in the transportation of grain.
Russia’s actions deliberately harm global food security. Hindering exports of wheat, maize and barley from one of the world’s top grain exporters hurts everyone, but especially the world’s most vulnerable. The UK condemns Russia’s strikes. They have impacted shipments destined for the World Food Programme in Palestine and southern Africa. They also undermine the stability of the entire Black Sea region, affecting many others around this table.
Russia also threatens maritime safety and security through a 600 vessel ‘shadow fleet’, used to circumvent international sanctions and provide funding for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. Many of these vessels are unsafe, lack adequate insurance and engage in dangerous and deceptive shipping practices, including turning off radio transponders in violation of international regulations. These vessels break maritime law and pose significant risks to the environment, and maritime safety and security.
The UK will continue to take action against this illegal and dangerous ‘shadow fleet’. 43 of its oil tankers have been barred from UK ports and from accessing British maritime services. My Prime Minister launched a ‘Call to Action’ against the fleet in July, and we want to thank the 45 partners in this room who signed up to this.
We cannot and will not ignore Russia’s violations of the laws and principles that underpin global trade and food security. They contravene its Decalogue obligations, including Article 10 on the fulfilment in good faith of obligations under international law. We call on the Russian authorities to end this unjustifiable war and return to conformity with the OSCE’s foundational principles. Thank you.
