The UK has slammed Russia’s “disregard for agreed rules” at the OSCE and vowed it “will not be deterred” from supporting Ukraine amid Russian ‘threats’ to nations backing Kyiv
The UK has responded to alarming Russian “threats” with a firm warning that it “will not be deterred” in its support for Ukraine. The Kremlin has been increasing its threats to the UK in recent weeks, but now the British representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe has hit back
Russia has accused the West of escalating and overstating tensions, issuing its own frightening warnings to OSCE nations about becoming more deeply embroiled in the four-year conflict, as well as issuing a direct threat last week.
And Senior Kremlin figure and former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warned Western leaders: “The list of European facilities which make drones [and] other equipment is a list of potential targets for the Russian armed forces,” he cautioned.
“When strikes become a reality depends on what comes next… Sleep well, European partners!”
However, at the OSCE in Vienna on Thursday, UK ambassador Neil Holland rebuffed Russia’s intimidating tactics with a succinct four-word retort: “It will not work.” He criticised Russia’s “disregard for agreed rules” and stated Moscow’s chilling warning “reflects a familiar attempt to intimidate and deter those who support Ukraine’s right to defend itself against an illegal and unprovoked invasion”.
The leader of the UK’s delegation to the OSCE added: “The Russian state characterises international support for Ukraine’s defence against its deadly attacks as an escalation of the conflict – a claim that is unfounded and aimed at deflecting from its own actions.
“Our support for Ukraine, and readiness to defend ourselves, is lawful and necessary in response to Russia’s continued aggression. “The UK will not be deterred. The UK will continue to provide the military assistance Ukraine needs, for as long as it needs it.”, reports the Express.
Mr Holland branded the relentless Russian strikes as showing “contempt for international law” and “civilian life”. Britain has supplied crucial military aid to Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022, consistently delivering essential equipment and assisting with soldier training.
Later during his Thursday speech, Mr Holland demanded the freedom of three individuals from the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission who have been illegally held by Russia and its allies for four years.
He urged the immediate and unconditional release of Dmytro Shabanov, Vadym Golda and Maxim Petrov, stating their imprisonment “forms part of a broader pattern of obstructing independent observation, rejecting accountability, and weakening the institutions designed to reduce risk and build security”.
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