The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 August 2026.
Statement by Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.
Today is Ukraine’s Independence Day.
A day to reaffirm the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the rights of her people to determine their own future, to celebrate the history, culture, and spirit of the Ukrainian people, and to reconfirm friendships and support.
First, on Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedom.
For over a decade, Russia has sought to deny Ukraine the rights to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and to determine her own future.
Through the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, then the full-scale invasion in 2022, and now through intensive attacks on civilians and essential services across Ukraine.
Over 17,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, and 52,000 injured since February 2022, 437 killed and 2,610 injured in July alone.
The deadliest month in four years, as Russia has intensified her attacks, including hundreds of missiles and drones fired against Ukrainian cities.
One civilian every 15 minutes.
International humanitarian law must be respected.
Ukraine’s children in particular feel the impact. Since 2022, there have been over 3,900 Ukrainian child casualties.
Children have lost families and homes and have spent months sheltering underground.
Thousands of children have been forcibly deported.
On this day, we remember lives lost and lives upended.
And we remember the extraordinary strength Ukrainians have shown in defending their country, their freedom, and their right of self-determination.
Second on Ukraine’s rich culture
Mr President, as we join Ukraine in celebrating her history, culture, and spirit, Russia damages Ukraine’s cultural sites.
Including Kyiv’s historic Petrivka book market and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
And in the temporarily occupied territories, Russia has eradicated Ukrainian-language education and forced residents to take Russian passports.
But Ukraine’s history and culture will not be destroyed, and her spirit will not be broken.
As His Majesty King Charles said in his message to President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, today is a day to “reflect upon Ukraine’s proud history, rich culture and indomitable national spirit”, and to honour the “extraordinary fortitude” that Ukrainians have shown in preserving the identity and values which define their nation.
Third on friendship and support
United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham is in Kyiv today.
His message to the people of Ukraine is that “On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt, the United Kingdom is behind you today, and for as long as it takes.”
The United Kingdom will continue to stand with Ukraine as she exercises her lawful right to self-defence, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
We support Ukraine’s call for a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire and a just and lasting peace. And we urge Russia to commit to the same.
Mr President, Ukraine’s future is for Ukrainians to decide.
Her language, culture, and history will not be erased by attacks or occupation or coercion.
Today, we celebrate Ukraine.
And we renew our support for her sovereignty and her freedoms.
Today and every day, for as long as it takes.