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Keir Starmer – 2025 Comments at the British Museum

The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, at the British Museum in London on 9 July 2025.

It’s really fantastic to see you here and to just really take in this incredible place that is the British Museum, a world-class institution, which I’m really proud to say is also right in the heart of my constituencies, so welcome to my manor.

Mr President, Emmanuel, Mrs Macron, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, you’re very, very welcome here and it is fantastic to see you. We have thousands of visitors here every day from all over the globe to admire the Museum’s incredible collection of world history all around us here, every single day. So it’s a real pleasure to welcome two special sets of guests this afternoon, our brilliant French guests and friends who are all here, but also young people representing the next generation and that is so important as we contemplate our history because I know just how important access to the arts, to culture and history is for the next generation.

Its potential to spark the imagination. There’ll be very many people who come here and have their imagination sparked and that has put a light on for them and for so many other people to transform young people’s lives by bringing history and culture and art into it. And opening their eyes to new possibilities and opportunities and encourage them to reach the full extent of their ambitions and their talents. So no matter where you’re from or who you are, it’s here to bring us together to remind us of our shared history but also the common bonds that endure across languages, across borders and cultures – and that’s what today is all about, making sure that everyone can appreciate our incredible history, inviting young people to bridge our past and our future and igniting the passions and the talent of the next generation.

And we are celebrating a brilliant initiative today. Everybody is walking around here with a smile on their face and when the President yesterday announced to both Houses what was going to be happening here there was a great cheer went up and that was representative I think of how this is being felt across the entire country.

It is a brilliant initiative because what Emmanuel, my friend, announced yesterday, this cultural exchange between our two nations, two of the great treasures of our history, the priceless artefacts of Sutton Hoo, which we’ve just been to see upstairs, absolutely incredible story, incredible artefacts. And the Bayeux Tapestry, which means so much and again the smiles as people saw just the depiction on the wall behind me as we walked in tells you just how much this means. Because for Sutton Hoo 1,300 years ago in East Anglia, a wealthy man, we don’t know who it was, probably a King, was buried in a lavish funeral ceremony, an Anglo-Saxon era that of course was put to an end 300 years later by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings, but it is an incredible piece of history that we have here just imagining what that must have been like changing our perception of that era of history frankly and bringing so much learning to us, and of course the Battle of Hastings illustrated by the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry – the beginning of a thousand years of shared culture that is now defined by mutual admiration and kinship, as well of course by some healthy competition as anyone who was watching the Euros on Saturday will attest, but that history, that long history forms the foundation of the European continent as we know it today. Now both these treasures contain stories of war and of peace, of power and of politics, alliances and enemies that we still know all too well in our modern world. They show us how connected our countries have always been, they deepen our appreciation of our shared history and enrich the relationship between our two nations today because we are now entering a new era of world history, a time of huge change and turmoil that has led to insecurity for so many people and in this new world our alliances are in my view more important than ever.

The strength and solidarity of countries that share the same values, the same aims, the same hope for the future so just as we stood together in the last century to bring peace to Europe and it was a real privilege, Emmanuel, to mark Armistice Day in France, walking with you the same route as Churchill and de Gaulle once walked. Thank you so much again for that invitation to be there at that very special moment and today the UK is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with France leading the coalition of the willing to support Ukraine, as well of course us working together to call for a sustainable peace in the Middle East. And at home we’re working together for our shared security and prosperity, creating jobs and growth for our people, tackling irregular migration, strengthening our defences to protect Europe from any threats, growing our economies and collaborating on the technologies of the future, and forging closer connections between our peoples with this cultural exchange, giving people across Britain the chance to admire a Bayeux Tapestry, and there will be so many people who will want to come here to see that as soon as they can, and people across France to enjoy the treasures of ancient England. Well timed for the thousandth anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth in 2027, so as we look back together today we are also inspired to look forward towards the future and remember that it is for us to write our own chapter of history now as two nations who forged peace, made our people better off and remain the strongest of allies and the closest of friends and on that note it is a pleasure to welcome my friend, Mr President, Emmanuel, to speak to you today.

Thank you so much.

July 10, 2025
NEWS STORY : Construction Commences on Cutting-Edge Weather Centre in Reading

STORY

Construction has officially begun on the new state-of-the-art headquarters for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus. A ground-breaking ceremony on 9 July 2025 marked the start of work on this cutting-edge facility, which is set to become a global hub for meteorological research and forecasting. Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, led the ceremony, joined by key stakeholders including ECMWF Directors, Penny Endersby, CEO of the Met Office and President of the ECMWF Council, and Mark Bourgeois, CEO at the Government Property Agency (GPA), which is overseeing the project. Representatives from the University of Reading and Mace, the design and build contractor, were also in attendance.

The modern, accessible and highly sustainable headquarters, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is anticipated to be ready for occupation in early 2027. ECMWF will relocate from its current premises in Reading, where it has been based for half a century, to this new purpose-built facility. Once operational, the building will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff, supporting world-leading work on all aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production and crucial research into climate change. The advanced facility will facilitate the use of the latest developments in areas such as data assimilation, earth system modelling, predictability and reanalysis, all aimed at enhancing weather predictions and our understanding of the climate.

Lord Vallance expressed the UK’s pride in continuing to host the ECMWF headquarters, highlighting that the new facility positions the UK at the forefront of international efforts to comprehend weather and climate patterns better. He noted that improved weather predictions will enable optimised energy consumption estimates, effective adjustments to transport schedules and provide farmers with crucial time to prepare for extreme weather, ultimately helping individuals and businesses save money, reduce energy use and enhance safety. Florence Rabier, ECMWF Director General, conveyed her satisfaction with the move to sustainable premises after 50 years at Shinfield Park, anticipating excellent facilities for staff and visitors and closer collaboration with university colleagues. She also emphasised ECMWF’s leadership, alongside its 35 member and cooperating states, in spearheading the artificial intelligence and machine learning revolution in weather science for the benefit and protection of citizens worldwide. The project has been designed to industry-leading net-zero carbon standards, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable development and scientific innovation.

July 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Work begins at state-of-the-art weather centre headquarters [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 9 July 2025.

Construction has begun on the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, marked by a breaking ground ceremony on Wednesday 9 July.

Construction has begun on a new cutting-edge facility for meteorological research and forecasting, marked by a breaking ground ceremony.

The event took place today (July 9) at the site of the new headquarters for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus, led by Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Also in attendance were key stakeholders in the project including ECMWF Directors, Penny Endersby, CEO of the Met Office and President of ECMWF Council, Mark Bourgeois, CEO at the Government Property Agency (GPA) which is delivering the scheme, and representatives of the University of Reading, Mace – design and build construction partners, project advisors AtkinsRéalis and BDP – the architects.

Construction of the modern, accessible and highly sustainable headquarters, which is being funded through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is expected to be ready for occupation in early 2027.

ECMWF will move from its existing premises in Reading, where it has been for half a century, to the new headquarters. Once operational the building will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff to support world-leading work on all aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production and research into climate change. The state-of-the-art facility will support the use of the latest advances made in areas such as data assimilation, earth system modelling, predictability and reanalysis to improve weather predictions and understanding of climate.

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

The UK is proud to continue to host the headquarters of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. This state-of-the-art facility places the UK at the heart of international efforts that are helping us to make better sense of our weather and climate.

By improving our weather predictions we can optimise our energy consumption estimates, adjust transport schedules effectively and give our farmers time to prepare for extreme weather – helping people and businesses to save money, cut energy use and stay safe.

With the university’s Department of Meteorology and parts of the UK Met Office, National Environment Research Council (NERC) National Centre for Atmospheric Sciences and NERC National Centre for Earth Observation all currently located within the university – and now the new ECMWF HQ – means the town of Reading is home to an exceptional cluster of weather, climate research and operational forecasting facilities.

Florence Rabier, ECMWF Director General said:

After 50 years at Shinfield Park in Reading, we are pleased that this move to state-of-the-art sustainable premises will provide excellent facilities for our staff and visitors, and bring us even closer to many colleagues at the university.

ECMWF is an intergovernmental organisation with 35 member and cooperating states that have built a strong international collaboration with each of these countries’ meteorological services. As well as traditional numerical weather prediction and research, together with our member and cooperating states, we are spearheading the artificial intelligence/machine learning revolution in weather science for the benefit and protection of citizens.

Mark Bourgeois, the GPA’s CEO said:

It is a landmark occasion to get construction underway of this new facility, which has been designed to industry-leading net zero carbon standards. This project is a perfect example of cross-government collaboration which will deliver a modern, inspirational and energy-efficient headquarters for ECMWF’s forecasting, research and training functions, retaining a world-leading scientific organisation and attracting long-term investment into the region.

It’s another milestone for us at the GPA to deliver smart, modern, sustainable and digitally connected workplaces that focus on supporting productivity and wellbeing.

July 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Macron of France [July 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 July 2025.

The Prime Minister met the French President Emmanuel Macron in Downing Street this afternoon.

They reflected on the State Visit of the President so far, agreeing that it had been an important representation of the deep ties between our two countries.

Moving on to discuss joint working, they shared their desire to deepen our partnership further – from joint leadership in support of Ukraine to strengthening our defence collaboration and increasing bilateral trade and investment.

The Prime Minister welcomed the news that EDF would take a 12.5% stake in Sizewell C leading to lower bills, more jobs and better energy security for the UK.

The leaders agreed tackling the threat of irregular migration and small boat crossings is a shared priority that requires shared solutions.

The Prime Minister spoke of his government’s toughening of the system in the past year to ensure rules are respected and enforced, including a massive surge in illegal working arrests to end the false promise of jobs that are used to sell spaces on boats.

The two leaders agreed on the need to go further and make progress on new and innovative solutions, including a new deterrent to break the business model of these gangs.

Finally, they looked ahead to the 37th UK-France Summit taking place tomorrow and agreed to aim for concrete progress on these areas.

July 10, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Condemns Reckless Houthi Attacks in Red Sea and Calls for Release of Detained Aid Workers

STORY

The United Kingdom has strongly condemned the “reckless” Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, highlighting the tragic loss of innocent mariners and the severe threat these actions pose to global trade and the environment. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Yemen on 9 July 2025, Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, reiterated the UK’s commitment to countering the Houthi threat and restoring freedom of navigation.

Ambassador Woodward emphasised three key points during her statement. Firstly, she underscored the gravity of the Houthi attacks, which have led to loss of life, undermined maritime security and global trade, and created significant environmental risks. She stressed the UK’s dedication to working with partners and supporting the UN Special Envoy in a coordinated international effort to address these issues. Furthermore, she pointed out that the continued smuggling of weapons into Yemen by the Houthis is a clear violation of the arms embargo mandated by Resolution 2216, urging the international community to redouble efforts to enforce compliance and disrupt illicit arms flows.

Secondly, Ambassador Woodward drew attention to the rapidly deteriorating food security situation in Yemen. Citing the FAO’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, she noted that the number of Yemenis facing food insecurity is projected to increase by over a million to 18.1 million by February next year. The UK’s Food Security Safety Nets programme will provide $79 million in assistance this year to help feed at least 864,000 Yemenis and support economic reforms within the Government of Yemen. She also condemned the Houthis’ “arbitrary and cruel detention of aid workers,” which is severely hindering humanitarian efforts, and reiterated the call for their immediate and unconditional release.

Finally, Ambassador Woodward stressed that Yemenis have endured a “toxic combination of insecurity and dire humanitarian conditions” for far too long. She urged a redoubling of efforts towards achieving an inclusive and sustainable peace in the country, affirming the UK’s continued support for the UN Special Envoy’s work in this regard.

July 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK strongly condemns the reckless Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 July 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

I’d like to make three points.

First, the UK, like our briefers, strongly condemns the reckless Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

They have led to the tragic loss of life of innocent mariners.

They undermine maritime security and global trade, and pose a significant risk to the environment.

The UK remains committed to countering the threat posed by the Houthis and restoring freedom of navigation.

We will continue to work with partners and support the Special Envoy in a coordinated international approach to achieve these goals.

Moreover, the Houthis’ continued smuggling of weapons into Yemen is a clear violation of the arms embargo, as implemented by resolution 2216.

The UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism is critical to ensure compliance with the arms embargo and prevent smuggling of illicit arms.

So the UK calls on the international community to redouble efforts to enforce compliance with the arms embargo, disrupt the illegal weapons flow and support the critical role of the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism, in this regard.

Second, as USG Fletcher reminded us and Ms Nasser too, Yemen is experiencing a significant deterioration in food security.

The FAO’s Integration Food Security Phase Classification for Yemen notes, as USG Fletcher said, that the number of Yemenis experiencing food insecurity is predicted to rise by over a million to 18.1 million by February next year.

This year, the UK’s Food Security Safety Nets programme will provide $79 million of assistance to help feed at least 864,000 Yemenis, and to support the Government of Yemen’s economic reforms to design a more coherent and coordinated response.

As others have said, the Houthis’ continued arbitrary and cruel detention of aid workers are undermining efforts to meet the needs of Yemenis.

The UK condemns these unjustified detentions.

And I reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained.

Finally, President, Yemenis have suffered for far too long a toxic combination of insecurity and dire humanitarian conditions.

Now is the time to redouble our efforts towards an inclusive and sustainable peace.

The UK remains committed to supporting the UN Special Envoy’s work to deliver this.

July 10, 2025
NEWS STORY : Train Derailment Halts West Coast Main Line at Denbigh Hall

STORY

An out-of-service London Northwestern Railway passenger train derailed at Denbigh Hall South Junction on the West Coast Main Line on 26 June 2025, prompting an investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The incident, which occurred around 12:27 PM, saw the front bogie of the train come off the tracks on a switch diamond crossing while travelling north at approximately 15 mph (24 km/h), shortly after leaving Bletchley station. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the four staff members on board the train. However, the derailment led to significant disruption, with some lines through the crucial junction remaining out of service until 4:05 PM on 29 June 2025, to allow for train recovery and infrastructure repairs.

Initial findings indicate the train had experienced a technical fault earlier, preventing it from departing southwards from Bletchley’s platform 4. While it could be driven northwards from the opposite end, the usual signalled route was blocked by a failed on-track machine. Consequently, staff at Rugby Rail Operating Centre authorised the train to travel in the wrong direction on the up (southbound) slow line. This “wrong direction movement” meant the signaller had to instruct the driver to pass a signal at danger, operating without the standard protection typically provided by the signalling interlocking system.

The intention was for the train to then cross onto the down slow line at the junction and resume normal signal control for its journey northwards to the Kings Heath depot near Northampton. The RAIB’s investigation will delve into the sequence of events leading to the derailment, examining the actions of those involved, the procedures for determining and validating “out of course” movements, and the management, training and assessment of staff undertaking such manoeuvres. Any underlying factors contributing to the incident will also be considered.

The RAIB’s investigation is independent of any conducted by the railway industry or its regulator, the Office of Rail and Road. Its findings, along with any recommendations to enhance safety, will be published upon the conclusion of the inquiry.

July 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK secures £7.5 billion Japanese investment in key growth sectors [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 9 July 2025.

The government has unlocked £7.5 billion of investment into key growth sectors as the Minister for Investment signed a new deal with the Sumitomo Corporation in Tokyo.
- Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson is in Tokyo to sign new partnership with top Japanese trading company Sumitomo Corporation.
- Deal secures £7.5 billion investment into key UK infrastructure and clean energy projects.
- Latest multi-billion investment shows Plan for Change is working, days after Deloitte survey puts UK in joint top spot for global investment.
New collaboration between the UK government and a top Japanese trading company will unlock £7.5 billion of investment into Britain, boosting economic growth and driving forward the government’s Plan for Change.

Today [Wednesday 9 July], Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson signed the new partnership with Sumitomo Corporation’s Energy Transformation Group CEO Mr Hajime Mori, Europe CEO Mr Hiroyuki Koike and the Energy Transformation Business Group in Tokyo.

Sumitomo Corporation aims to facilitate £7.5 billion of investment into key UK infrastructure and clean energy projects by 2035, backing the government’s aim to significantly increase long-term business investment into key growth sectors following the publication of the Modern Industrial Strategy and the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy.

This latest vote of confidence reaffirms the UK’s position as a global investment destination, and builds on the positive findings from Deloitte’s latest survey which found that finance leaders see the UK as the joint-most attractive destination when it comes to investment.

Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE said:

The UK is a top investment destination for Japanese businesses, so I’m delighted to be in Tokyo to sign this new collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation. This is yet another major vote of confidence in our economy and shows international backing for our modern Industrial Strategy, which shows our Plan for Change is working.

We’re serious about clean energy as a key growth sector, and deals like this create high value jobs, encourage further investment into our world-leading industry and help boost economic growth right across the UK.

This commitment to facilitate investment into the UK also comes after the launch of the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy which aims to make it quicker and easier for businesses to invest in the UK, providing investors the certainty and stability they need to make long term decisions.

The investment will be focused on key offshore wind and hydrogen projects, supporting the UK’s aim to become a clean energy superpower.

Hajime Mori, Managing Executive Officer, Group CEO, Energy Transformation Business Group, Sumitomo Corporation said:

We have made active investments in several business sectors in the UK, including decarbonisation and clean energy. Under the UK’s new industrial strategy, clean energy is designated as a priority sector. Through this agreement with Office for Investment, we will continue to leverage our strengths to drive growth in the clean energy sector in the UK.

Hiroyuki Koike, Managing Executive Officer, General Manager for Europe, Sumitomo Corporation said:

We are inspired by the UK government’s active promotion and support of private investment which has helped to improve the business environment in many areas.

We hope that this comprehensive MOU with the Office for Investment will further strengthen the relationship between the UK government and Sumitomo Corporation, and that we will contribute more to the development of the UK economy and society through our business.

Economic growth is the Government’s central mission and unlocking new investment opportunities with the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is vital to achieving this, as the UK-APAC trading relationship is now worth over £135 billion.

This new collaboration also adds to the strong trade and investment partnership the UK already shares with Japan, building on the Industrial Strategy Partnership and Economic 2+2 established earlier this year and CPTPP ratification – which is estimated to boost the economy by £2 billion a year in the long-term.

Today’s announcement comes as the Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson visited South Korea and Japan this week, meeting a range of investors and businesses to encourage further investment into the country.
July 10, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Make Statement to OSCE on Impact on Children From Russian Invasion

STORY

Russia’s ongoing illegal war in Ukraine continues to inflict a devastating toll on children, with mounting evidence of grave violations, according to a recent statement by Deputy Ambassador James Ford to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The UK has strongly condemned these actions, calling for accountability and an immediate end to the conflict.

The statement, delivered on 9 July 2025, highlighted that more grave violations against children were verified by the UN in 2024 than ever before, with instances of sexual violence against children increasing by 35% compared to the previous year. Russian armed forces and authorities are accused of committing at least five of the “Six Grave Violations” defined by UN Security Council Resolution 1261, including the killing and maiming of children and attacks on schools and hospitals.

A stark example cited was the attack on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, struck by a Russian KH-101 cruise missile exactly one year prior to the statement. This facility was Ukraine’s largest children’s medical provider. UNICEF reports indicate that the war has killed or injured over 2,406 children, averaging sixteen child casualties per week. Between March 1 and May 31 2025 alone, 222 children were killed or injured, a threefold increase from the previous quarter. April 2025 saw the highest monthly number of child casualties since June 2022, with 97 children killed or maimed.

Beyond physical harm, Ukrainian children face systematic efforts to erase their identity. The Ukrainian government estimates that nearly 20,000 children have been forcibly deported to Russia and temporarily occupied territories. UN reports detail forced introduction of Russian language curricula and “military-patriotic” training in schools, alongside coerced Russian citizenship. Save the Children estimates that 576 education facilities were destroyed or damaged in 2024, more than double the number from the year before. Children fleeing the conflict are also at significant risk of family separation, abuse, violence, sexual exploitation and trafficking, leading to profound and lasting psychological trauma.

Despite Moscow’s campaign of denial and disinformation, these abuses have been verified by independent sources, including the UN, ODIHR and reports commissioned under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism. The UK welcomed the OSCE’s efforts to hold Russia accountable and support Ukraine, urging Russia to cease its unprovoked, illegal war and immediately and unconditionally return all forcibly deported children to Ukraine.

July 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine continues to have a devastating impact on children – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 July 2025.

Deputy Ambassador James Ford condemns the grave violations Russian armed forces and authorities have committed against children in Ukraine, including through attacks on schools and hospitals.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Mr Chair. I would also like to thank the speakers for their insights on the important and emotive topic we are dealing with today.

The United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the worsening situation for children in conflicts around the world. More grave violations against children were verified by the UN than ever before in 2024, and instances of rape and other forms of sexual violence against children increased by 35% compared to 2023.

Regrettably, Madam Chair, our own region has not been immune from this trend. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine continues to have a harrowing effect on Ukraine’s 7.5 million children – on their health, education, family life and prospects for their futures.

In 1999, UN Security Council Resolution 1261 defined ‘Six Grave Violations’ most frequently affecting children in times of war. According to the latest UN report on children and armed conflict, there is mounting evidence that Russian authorities and Russian armed forces have committed at least five of these Six Grave Violations in Ukraine. For consecutive years, the UN Secretary General has reported that under two categories – the killing and maiming of children, and attacks on schools and hospitals – the violations committed by Russian armed forces are prolific enough to warrant formal listing in his annual report.

A case in point is the attack on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv. Yesterday marked one year since a Russian KH-101 cruise missile struck the hospital. It was the biggest children’s medical facility in Ukraine and the country’s primary provider of specialist paediatric care.

According to UNICEF’s report from November 2024, the war has killed or injured over 2,406 children – an average of sixteen children every week. The UN verified 222 cases of children being killed or injured in Ukraine between 1 March and 31 May 2025 – three times more children killed than during the previous quarter. In April this year alone, 97 children were killed or maimed. According to UN statistics, that is the highest monthly number of child casualties since June 2022.

It is not just death or injury that Ukrainian children face on a daily basis. According to the Government of Ukraine, the Russian authorities and armed forces have deported nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories. UN reports detail the treatment of Ukrainian children in these territories. Russian authorities have systematically forced the introduction of Russian language curriculum in schools, as well as ‘military-patriotic’ training. They have also forced Ukrainian children to adopt Russian citizenship. Save the Children estimates that Russian attacks destroyed or damaged 576 education facilities in 2024 – more than double the 256 of the year before.

UN and Save the Children reports also underline that children fleeing the fighting in Ukraine are at significant risk of family separation, abuse, violence, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. Countless people will bear the social and psychological trauma for years to come.

Moscow continues to try to disguise these crimes through a campaign of denial and disinformation. But these abuses have all been verified by independent sources, including the UN, ODIHR and reports commissioned under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism.

As we all know, and as the speakers have detailed today, children are uniquely vulnerable and disproportionately affected by conflict. We welcome the OSCE’s work to hold Russia accountable for its actions and to support Ukraine, including through the SPU, the Support Programme for Ukraine. And we call on Russia to cease this unprovoked, illegal war and immediately and unconditionally return forcibly deported children to Ukraine.

Thank you.

July 10, 2025