The United Kingdom has condemned Russia's escalating attacks in Ukraine, stating that Russia launched at least 429 missiles into the country in July alone, more than double the number from the previous month. Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, delivered a statement at the UN General Assembly meeting on Ukraine, marking 1,651 days since Russia's full-scale invasion began and twelve years since the annexation of Crimea.
The statement highlighted the severe human cost, with almost 17,000 Ukrainian civilians, including 820 children, killed since February 2022, and over 51,000 civilians, including 3,000 children, injured. Russia's strikes on Ukraine's ports and civilian shipping have also reportedly escalated, blocking vital food supplies and contributing to rising global food prices.
The UK reiterated that Russia's actions do not alter Ukraine's sovereignty or rewrite its borders, calling on all states to uphold the UN Charter and reject Russia's claims. The UK also urged Russia to allow humanitarian access, support accountability, and facilitate the return of Ukrainian children and civilians.