A UK Ambassador has criticised Russia's historical actions, stating that its war against Ukraine is part of a broader pattern of disregarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring states. Ambassador Holland, speaking to the OSCE, highlighted Russia's involvement in Moldova, its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states in Georgia, and its actions in Ukraine.
The Ambassador noted that Russian military forces have been present in Moldova for over three decades without the Moldovan Government's consent. In Georgia, Russian forces crossed internationally recognised borders in 2008, leading to the occupation of 20% of Georgian sovereign territory.
Regarding Ukraine, the Ambassador stated that Russia committed to respect Ukraine's independence and borders in 1994, but seized Crimea in 2014 and supported conflict in eastern Ukraine for eight years. The Ambassador also condemned Russia's continued bombardment of Ukraine, including a recent mass attack that killed multiple civilians and a strike damaging the Latvian Consulate in Sloviansk. Drones, including a Shahed-type drone, entered Romanian airspace on three consecutive days starting 24 July and were shot down by Romanian F-16s.