Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine and their wider consequences: UK statement to the OSCE

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The evidence from this summer is clear: Russia has intensified its war against Ukraine, both in scale and in method, with devastating consequences for Ukrainian civilians.

In July, Russia fired 460 missiles at Ukraine, including 195 ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Both were wartime monthly records. In August, it fired more than 2,800 jet-powered drones, another record. And July was also the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since May 2022.

The breadth of the resulting harm is evident. On 21 August, a double strike on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih killed 16 people and injured 130. On 10 September, Russian drones struck near a shopping centre in Pavlohrad, killing five civilians and injuring 67. Russian attacks have also damaged residential buildings and critical infrastructure across several regions.

Last night was the latest example: Russia again subjected Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, to another barrage of missiles and drones. These attacks have left at least 16 people injured - though that figure may rise further - and damaged residential accommodation and other civilian infrastructure.

Russia has intensified its attacks on transport and trade. According to Ukrainian Railways, Russian strikes hit 40 locomotives in August alone. Sixty-two railway workers have been killed on duty by Russian attacks since the full-scale invasion began. On 13 September, a Russian drone struck the locomotive of a Kyiv-Warsaw passenger train two kilometres from the Polish border.

This pressure extends to Ukraine's border infrastructure. In early September, Russian drones repeatedly struck crossings linking Ukraine with Romania and Moldova. Such attacks disrupt civilian movement and legitimate commerce. Their proximity to other participating States also creates a serious risk of wider escalation.

The same pattern is visible at sea. Russia has substantially increased its attacks on Ukrainian civilian shipping and port infrastructure in the Black Sea. These attacks threaten freedom of navigation and impede exports of food and legitimate energy products. Their effects extend beyond Ukraine, adding pressure to international supply chains and global food security.

Russia's use of jet-powered drones adds another dimension. It has increasingly launched them during the day, generating persistent air alerts which disrupt normal economic activity and civilian life. In the seven days from 27 August to 3 September, Kyiv experienced 76 air-raid alerts, the highest rate recorded during the war. Behind that statistic are repeated interruptions to work, education, transport and family life. The burden falls disproportionately on civilians.

This intensification of attacks does not demonstrate Russian strength. Russia's territorial advances have slowed, while its military and economy face mounting costs. Sustained support for Ukraine and coordinated economic pressure are constraining Russia's choices. We will maintain that pressure.

Our purpose is not pressure for its own sake. It is to persuade Russia that serious negotiation offers a better course than a prolonged and increasingly costly war. Russia should cease its attacks, negotiate constructively and agree a just and lasting peace.

The principles for that peace are set out in the Helsinki Final Act: sovereignty, territorial integrity, the inviolability of frontiers and the peaceful settlement of disputes. They remain the agreed foundations of European security and at the heart of any sustainable solution. Speaking up in their defence is the reason that we are here. It is time for Russia to honour its obligations.

Thank you, Mr Chair.