UK Statement to the OSCE Permanent Council on the cause of the current situation in Ukraine
Ambassador Dominic Schroeder's statement to the OSCE PC on the cause of the current situation in Ukraine
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Vienna, Austria.
Thursday 27 March, 2014
Mr Chairman,
Lack of reform in Ukraine by President Yanukovich and the subsequent armed annexation of Crimea are to blame for the current crisis and instability.
The decision about its political and economic future lies entirely with Ukraine, and no European or Western power can force Ukraine’s position on this.
An aspiration to have the same level of economic advancement and political and social freedom as members of the EU does not mean the EU is to blame.
There is no excuse for invading the territorial integrity of any sovereign nation.
As my Prime Minister said yesterday:
Russia’s violation of international law is a challenge to the rule of law around the world, and should be a concern for all nations.
Thank you, Mr Chairman.