Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 July 2026.

UK Senior Military Adviser, Colonel Joby Rimmer, warns that Russia’s missile and drone attacks endanger civilians, violate neighbouring states’ airspace and increase the risk of miscalculation and escalation across Europe.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Overnight, on 18–19 July, the Russian Federation launched 41 missiles and 125 drones against Ukraine in one of the largest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Ukrainian air defences intercepted 18 missiles and 108 drones, but nevertheless strikes and falling debris affected residential buildings, a supermarket, a dormitory and other civilian infrastructure.

Across the country, these attacks killed at least 20 civilians. Those interceptions did save lives, but we should be clear: Ukraine should not need to deploy air-defence systems to protect apartment blocks, supermarkets, hospitals and schools. Russia’s reckless use of drones and missiles has repeatedly resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.

And the legal framework is not ambiguous. Parties must always distinguish between civilians and combatants, and between civilian objects and military objectives. Attacks may be directed against only military objectives. Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited, as are attacks expected to cause incidental civilian harm excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated.

But Russia’s aerial campaign also creates risks beyond Ukraine. On 29 May, during a Russian attack on Ukraine, a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace and struck a ten-storey apartment building in Galați. Two civilians were injured and approximately 70 residents evacuated. This is not a theoretical risk. A live weapons system crossed sovereign airspace and struck civilians in a NATO country.

Moldova has likewise experienced repeated Russian drone incursions. Furthermore, on 13 July, a Shahed-type drone crossed into Moldovan territory and exploded near the village of Copanca during Russian attacks on southern Ukraine. No casualties were reported, but the incident again demonstrated the consistent danger posed to neighbouring states. And NATO condemned Russia’s reckless behaviour in both cases.

This Forum exists to reduce misunderstanding, miscalculation and unintended escalation. Yet every Russian missile or drone launched near an international border could create an uncertain track. Every missile or drone launched near an international border could and has resulted in a possible airspace violation. Every Russian missile or drone launched near an international border could result in the scrambling of military aircraft, further escalating the risk of miscalculation.

Stronger European air and missile defence, surveillance and coordination are therefore necessary, defensive and proportionate responses to a threat solely created by Russia’s aggression, not acts of hostility.

Air defence, however, treats the symptoms rather than the cause. Russia must cease its reckless attacks, comply fully with distinction, proportionality and precautions, prevent further airspace violations and communicate promptly and honestly when incidents occur.

The greatest contribution Russia could make to European security would be to end its aggression, agree an immediate ceasefire and engage seriously towards a just and lasting peace.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 July 2026.

An FCDO statement on recent Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia, including plans to impose a maritime blockade.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

The UK strongly condemns recent Houthi threats against Saudi Arabia, including plans to impose a maritime blockade. These provocations risk further regional instability, endanger freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, and undermine efforts to secure peace in Yemen.

We stand firmly with Saudi Arabia, and other partners within the region, in the face of these threats and call on the Houthis to immediately cease their escalatory actions.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 July 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

I will make three points. 

First, the United Kingdom welcomes the inaugural meeting of the Syrian People’s Assembly on 12 July. 

This is an important step towards establishing Syria’s new political settlement. 

The UK stands ready to support the efforts to strengthen Syria’s institutions and to help build long-term peace, stability, and security. 

And we look forward to working with the Assembly as it seeks to build an inclusive, prosperous future for all Syrians. 

Second, Syria’s security situation remains fragile. 

There is a real risk that wider regional conflict could undermine the country’s long overdue recovery. 

And we urge all parties to de-escalate and to focus on rebuilding regional stability. 

We condemn the egregious Iranian-claimed attacks against Syria last week.

And we also call on Israel to set out a timeline for their withdrawal from areas in southern Syria.

And we urge the Israeli Government to return to negotiations with the Syrian Government. This is in all parties’ interests.  

We also condemn the recent terrorist attacks in Damascus and offer our deepest condolences to those affected. 

There can be no justification for such violence. 

The UK will continue to work closely with the Syrian Government to support its counterterrorism efforts, and we remain an active member of the Global Coalition against Daesh. 

President, this month marks one year since the violence in the southern province of Suwayda, in which many innocent lives were lost, and tens of thousands of people displaced. 

We continue to support efforts to find a negotiated solution for Suwayda: one that upholds Syria’s sovereignty and unity, while addressing accountability, social cohesion, access to essential services, and humanitarian assistance. 

Finally, we welcome the landmark decision by the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to restore Syria’s rights and privileges. 

This recognises the leadership and commitment of the Syrian Government in locating and destroying the stockpile of chemical weapons left by the Assad regime. 

President, Syria has made important progress in its efforts to build peace and security for its people, and in its commitment to play a positive and constructive role in its neighbourhood. 

The Council should continue to support Syria in these efforts and to help forge a safer and more prosperous future.