The UK has asserted that the denial and whitewashing of Ratko Mladić's crimes represent an affront to international law and directly undermine regional stability and trust. Deputy Ambassador James Ford made the statement to the OSCE on 17 September 2026, emphasising that glorification of a convicted war criminal fuels division and is incompatible with reconciliation.
Ratko Mladić was convicted by an independent UN tribunal of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The UK government stated that its thoughts are with Mladić’s victims and their families, who deserve respect, compassion, and accountability.
The UK remains unequivocal that there is no place for genocide denial or the glorification of war criminals. It continues to support international justice, accountability, and respect for the judgments of international tribunals. The UK urged all governments and political leaders to respect the independence of judicial processes, uphold established facts, and avoid denial or revisionism of atrocities, particularly at a sensitive moment for the Western Balkans.