Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

The UK has announced new sanctions to curb production of Russian drones and the nefarious networks that are exploiting vulnerable migrants from across the globe to support Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

• the UK continues to disrupt Russia’s military supply chains and the callous trafficking of foreign migrants in a fresh wave of sanctions
• as Russia attempts to exploit migrants to prop up its war machine, sanctions announced today directly target individuals trafficking vulnerable migrants to fight on the frontline of Putin’s war, as well as companies supplying Russia’s drone factories  
• fresh action demonstrates continued UK leadership to combat Russian aggression at every level, ratchet up economic pressure on the Kremlin and support Ukraine for as long as it takes to secure a just and lasting peace. 

The UK has announced a raft of new sanctions to curb production of Russian drones and the nefarious networks that are exploiting vulnerable migrants from across the globe to support Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. The latest action hits 35 individuals and entities, including those responsible for human trafficking networks, funnelling exploited migrants into Russia’s war machine.   

Networks sanctioned by the UK have been deceptively recruiting foreign migrants in search of a better life and either sending them to the front line as cannon fodder or putting them to work in weapons factories. This includes through schemes like Russia’s Alabuga Start programme for drone production at a UK-sanctioned entity. 

Russia continues to terrorise Ukraine by indiscriminately using drones, killing, and injuring innocent civilians and damaging critical infrastructure. Russia fired the equivalent of over 200 drones per day into Ukraine in March 2026, the highest ever monthly total. Russia is likely to exceed this grim record for a second consecutive month in April.   

These attacks rely on domestic manufacturers and third country suppliers providing key components and technical support. This new action is designed to disrupt these supply chains and hold those responsible to account by targeting the businessmen and companies fuelling Russia’s drone manufacturing capabilities. 

Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty said: 

The practice of exploiting vulnerable people to prop up Russia’s failing and illegal war in Ukraine is barbaric.  

These sanctions expose and disrupt the operations of those trafficking migrants as cannon fodder and feeding Putin’s drone factories with illicit components to target innocent civilians and vital infrastructure.   

The UK continues to lead international efforts to disrupt Russia’s war machine, ramping up pressure on its economy and confronting its hybrid threats. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defence of European security and our shared values. 

Sanctioned targets also include individuals and entities based in third countries, including Thailand and China, responsible for supplying drone components and other critical military goods to Russia.   

Among those sanctioned is Pavel Nikitin, whose company develops Russia’s VT‑40 drone – a cheap, mass‑produced attack drone which has been used extensively by Russia in its attacks on Ukraine.  

Also sanctioned are 3 individuals with links to the Russian state involved in recruiting individuals to travel to Ukraine to fight for Russia.   

This includes Polina Alexandrovna Azarnykh, who, backed by the Russian state, has been facilitating the travel of individuals from countries including Egypt, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Morocco, Syria and Yemen through Russia to Ukraine, where they are deployed with minimal training and under dire conditions to the frontline to sustain Russia’s illegal war of aggression.   

The UK remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine and will continue to use the full force of its sanctions powers to disrupt Russia’s hybrid threats and squeeze the Kremlin’s war machine. These measures underline our determination to hold Russia and its enablers to account, defend European security and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.  

Background  

• the UK Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons (GIMTiPS) sanctions regime is the world’s first dedicated sanctions regime targeting illegal migration and organised immigration crime. The UK government can now target individuals and entities anywhere in the world involved in people smuggling and human trafficking, as well as enablers such as financiers, and companies involved in small boat supply chains
• this marks the first use of the GiMTiPs regime to tackle human trafficking and the instrumentalisation of migration to destabilise other countries. The UK government is committed to playing its part in eradicating all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Armenia.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter: the Sides), building upon the Joint Statement on the establishment of the UK–Armenia Strategic Dialogue of November 2023, and recognising the longstanding and friendly relations between them, founded on mutual respect, shared values, growing cooperation, and convergence of interests in various fields, express their determination to reinforce their bilateral relations through the establishment of a Strategic Partnership.

Recalling their commitment to uphold and promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, good governance, and a rules-based international order, including respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognised borders, the Sides reaffirm their adherence to the purposes and principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations and other international instruments promoting peace and security.

Emphasising the importance of the Washington Peace Summit Declaration of 8 August 2025 and the initialled Agreement “On the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan”, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reaffirms its continued support for the institutionalisation of peace and normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, based on mutual recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as delimitation of the interstate borders in accordance with the 1991 Almaty Declaration.

Welcoming the ongoing efforts to unblock regional transport communications to improve regional connectivity and stability, the Sides recognise that sustainable peace and connectivity can catalyse prosperity and security in the region. In that regard, the Sides agreed to continue discussing connectivity projects, highlighting the “Crossroads of Peace” and “TRIPP” initiatives as platforms for enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

The Sides have reached the following understanding:

1. Defence and Security: The Sides share a long-term commitment to building Armenia’s capacity in the areas of security, resilience and defence. They underline the importance of advancing regional peace and stability, strengthening Armenia’s ability to manage evolving security challenges, and enhancing cooperation in areas including defence cooperation, institutional reform, border security and tackling illegal migration, cyber resilience, and the wider response to hybrid threats. The Sides further affirm their intention to cooperate in multilateral fora where interests align and opportunities permit.
2. Economic Growth and Development: The Sides share an objective to promote sustainable economic growth and diversification in Armenia, deepen bilateral trade and investment ties, and strengthen regional connectivity in areas such as transport, energy and communication, as enablers of stability and prosperity. They recognise the importance of improving the business environment, supporting private‑sector development, facilitating investment, and cooperating in specific sectors of mutual agreement.
3. Governance and Democratic Resilience: The Sides share a commitment to democratic values, transparent and effective governance, and inclusive institutions. They recognise the importance of strengthening public sector performance, ensuring free and fair elections, countering hybrid threats, advancing anti‑corruption efforts, and supporting an enabling environment for independent media and civil society. They also commit to exploring further bilateral cooperation that reinforces democratic resilience.

Final Provisions

The Sides have reached an understanding to hold an annual Strategic Partnership session on the three aforementioned areas, where the Sides have reached a mutual understanding. This will be delivered through a jointly owned Outcome Framework Document, which will ensure coherence between UK and Armenian activity and provide a monitoring mechanism to review progress against delivery.

This declaration is not an international treaty and does not create legal rights or obligations under domestic or international law. Implementation of activities under this declaration will be subject to the availability of resources and in accordance with the respective laws and regulations of the Sides. Additional areas of cooperation may be identified and mutually agreed upon. This Joint Declaration may be amended at any time by mutual written consent. Each Side may end cooperation under this Joint Declaration at any time, informing the other Side in writing at least six months prior.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 May 2026.

Mr Nick Pickard CVO has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Austria in succession to Ms Lindsay Skoll CMG, who will become Principal of Jesus College, University of Oxford. Mr Pickard will take up his appointment during July 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Nicholas Peter Pickard

Year	Role
2023 to present	FCDO, Director Europe
2017 to 2023	Brussels, Deputy Permanent Representative, UK Joint Delegation to NATO
2013 to 2017	Berlin, Deputy Head of Mission, Political Counsellor and Consul-General
2013	Berlin, Secondment to Auswärtiges Amt
2008 to 2012	FCO, Head, Security Policy Department
2008	Joined FCO
2007 to 2008	MoD, Director, Streamlining Programme Team
2006 to 2007	High Wycombe, Royal Air Force, Human Resources Business Partner
2004 to 2006	MoD, Assistant Director, European Union and United Nations Directorate
2003	MoD, Assistant Director, Iraq Secretariat
2002 to 2003	MoD, Assistant Director, Nuclear Policy Directorate
2001 to 2002	MoD, Assistant Director, Equipment Capability Secretariat
1995 to 2001	MoD Fast Stream, Various Positions

STORY

The UK has voted in favour of renewing the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, saying the operation remains essential in protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian work amid continuing instability. In a statement to the UN Security Council, UK Deputy Permanent Representative Archie Young said UNMISS played a vital role in protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian access, monitoring and reporting on human rights, and supporting implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan.

Britain said it welcomed a renewed mandate that was “credible, deliverable, and responsive to conditions on the ground”, while also repeating its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to inclusive dialogue with the opposition. The UK added that any changes to the Revitalised Agreement should be made through its formal mechanisms rather than by unilateral action, and said it was vital that the mission received full cooperation and freedom of movement from South Sudan’s transitional government.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 April 2026.

UK Explanation of Vote delivered by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on South Sudan.

The United Kingdom voted in favour of renewing the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and we thank the United States for its engagement as penholder.

UNMISS remains indispensable.

In the context of ongoing instability and humanitarian need, the mission plays a vital role in protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian access, monitoring and reporting on human rights, and supporting implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan.

The UK therefore welcomes the preservation of these functions within a refreshed mandate that is credible, deliverable, and responsive to conditions on the ground.

The UK reiterates the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and return to inclusive dialogue with the opposition. 

We are clear that any amendments to the Revitalised Agreement should be pursued through the Agreement’s formal mechanisms rather than through unilateral action.

It is vital that UNMISS receives full cooperation from the transitional government and enjoys freedom of movement throughout its areas of operations, in order to implement its mandate in full.

President, the UK remains fully committed to working with the Council, the Secretariat, and UNMISS leadership to ensure the mission can deliver effectively for the people of South Sudan.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 April 2026.

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.

This Council is entrusted with the responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. 

Yet two years ago, Russia deliberately undermined that mandate by vetoing the DPRK Panel of Experts, an act that has hollowed out our collective ability to respond to the clear and growing threat from the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

That veto was not an isolated procedural decision. 

It was a calculated move to obscure the DPRK’s unlawful pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and to conceal Russia’s own systematic erosion of the UN sanctions architecture, which, as with all UN Member States, it is duty‑bound to uphold.

Since Russia’s veto, the DPRK has carried out approximately 80 ballistic missile launches and expanded key facilities, funded by an increasingly sophisticated cybercrime. 

Without the panel, we have been deprived of crucial Security Council resolution violation monitoring, analysis, and oversight.

In vetoing the panel, Russia also cleared a path to expand its military relationship with the DPRK. Pyongyang has supplied more than 11,000 troops to Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, along with munitions and missiles. 

In return, the DPRK has enjoyed Russia’s patronage, provision of critical goods through arms-for-oil exchanges, and gained increased technical and military capabilities from its combat experience.

Russia has also recklessly called DPRK’s denuclearisation a ‘closed issue’. 

We reaffirm our full commitment to non-proliferation obligations.  

At this year’s NPT Review Conference, we are calling on all UN members to encourage the DPRK to dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, to re-engage in meaningful dialogue, and to return to full NPT compliance. 

We urge Russia to recommit to our collective non-proliferation obligations.

Mr President, as we have heard today, the DPRK continues to be innovative in circumventing sanctions, utilising emerging AI technology, advance maritime spoofing techniques, and ship-to-ship transfers to transport coal and iron ore. 

We must remain equally agile in our response, drawing upon the breadth of our collective responsibilities and capabilities. 

We welcome ongoing Member State efforts to fill the monitoring and implementation information gap, including through the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team reports.

We call on the DPRK to refrain from further provocations, to engage meaningfully in dialogue, and to take concrete steps towards complete denuclearisation and peace on the Korean peninsula. 

And I call on Russia, and all Council Members with influence on the DPRK, to allow this Council to reunite on this vital issue of peace and international security and let us get back to work.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 April 2026.

Ms Nerys Jones has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Montenegro in succession to Ms Dawn McKen, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Jones will take up her appointment during August 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Nerys Heledd Jones

Year	Role
August 2025 to present	Full-time language training
2024 to 2025	Berlin, Embassy Spokesperson & Counsellor for Public Diplomacy and Internal Politics
2023 to 2024	FCDO, Deputy Head Mediterranean Department
2022 to 2023	FCDO, Europe Directorate Flexible Resource (Western Balkans and Mediterranean Departments; Prague, Deputy Head of Mission; and Warsaw, Political Counsellor Ukraine Humanitarian
2017 to 2022	Vienna, Deputy Head of Mission (including secondment to Austrian Ministry BMEIA)
2014 to 2017	FCO, Deputy Head Human Rights and Democracy Department
2014 to 2014	UK Defence Academy, Higher Command and Staff Course
2013	Governor’s Office, Gibraltar
2009 to 2013	Athens, Deputy Head of Mission
2005 to 2009	Rome, First Secretary EU & Economic Affairs
2003 to 2005	FCO, Head of Turkey Section
2001 to 2003	FCO, Assistant European Correspondent, Common Foreign & Security Policy Department
1999 to 2001	FCO, Desk Officer for Western European Union, Security Policy Department

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 April 2026.

Ms Dawn McKen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina in succession to Mr Julian Reilly, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms McKen will take up her appointment during August 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Dawn McKen

Year	Role
2023 to present	Podgorica, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2022 to 2023	Global Strategy Programme in International Security and Strategic Leadership studies, Royal College of Defence Studies
2022	MA in International Security and Strategy, King’s College, University of London
2021	Athens, Deputy Head of Mission, later Chargée d’Affaires
2019 to 2021	FCDO, Additional Deputy Director, UK Future Relationship with Turkey and Cyprus/Head, EU External and Security Unit, Europe Directorate
2016 to 2019	FCO, Head, Europe Programmes Unit, Europe Directorate
2013 to 2016	FCO, Deputy Head, Somalia Unit, Africa Directorate
2011 to 2013	FCO, Project Manager, UK Estate Reform Project
2007 to 2011	Budapest, First Secretary (Political), later Deputy Head of Mission and Chargée d’Affaires
2006 to 2007	Full Time Language Training (Hungarian)
2004 to 2005	FCO, Team Leader, EU External and Economic, Europe Directorate
2002 to 2003	FCO, Team Leader, Conventional Arms and Security Sector Reform, Security Policy Department
2002	Kabul, Deputy Head of Mission, later Chargée d’Affaires
2000 to 2002	FCO, Team Leader, Cyprus and Malta, Europe Directorate
2000	FCO, Project Manager, European News Grid, Europe Directorate
1996 to 2000	Moscow, Second Secretary (Political)
1996	Full Time Language Training (Russian)
1995 to 1996	FCO, Desk Officer, Hungary and Bulgaria, Know How Fund

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 April 2026.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, welcomes the OSCE Mission’s work to facilitate the resumption of in‑person 1+1 meetings, monitoring of the Security Zone and efforts to advance human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Thank you, Acting Head of Mission, for your report and clear presentation today. The United Kingdom continues to strongly support the OSCE Mission’s vital role in Moldova – one that remains all the more important given the continued impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine and the fragile regional security environment.

We particularly welcome your Mission’s work in facilitating the resumption of in‑person 1+1 meetings between the Chief Negotiators of Chisinau and Tiraspol in February and April. These meetings are an important step forward after a prolonged period of stagnation, and underline the importance of sustained, direct dialogue in unlocking meaningful progress. We also note positively the increased activity of the Working Groups, which provide a practical avenue to address issues affecting people’s daily lives.

The UK commends the Mission’s continued monitoring work in the Security Zone. Its impartial presence and rapid response capacity remain critical to preserving stability and reducing the risk of incidents escalating, particularly given the volatile wider security context.

We reiterate our longstanding concern over the continued presence of Russian military forces in Transnistria, which remains inconsistent with Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We underline the importance of the full and unconditional withdrawal of these forces and associated ammunition stockpiles, in line with international commitments.

We appreciate the Mission’s efforts to advance human rights and fundamental freedoms, including its engagement on individual cases of detention, on freedom of movement, media access, and access to education. We note the humanitarian progress achieved during the reporting period, while reiterating the importance of upholding OSCE human dimension commitments and resolving outstanding concerns.

We also welcome the Mission’s work to support the implementation of agreed measures under the Berlin‑plus package, which continue to deliver tangible benefits for communities on both banks of the river Nistru. Practical cooperation on issues such as education, vehicle registration and access to land remains essential to building confidence and trust over time.

The UK further recognises the value of the Mission’s project work including on environmental cooperation along the Nistru, as well as healthcare access, gender equality and Holocaust education, all of which demonstrate how cooperation can bring real benefits even in a protracted conflict context.

Looking ahead, the United Kingdom encourages both Chisinau and Tiraspol to build on the renewed momentum, engaging constructively and in good faith in all established formats. We stand ready to continue supporting the Mission in its efforts to facilitate a comprehensive, peaceful and sustainable settlement that fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, within its internationally recognised borders.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 April 2026.

UK Senior Military Advisor, Colonel Joby Rimmer says evidence based military analysis shows Russia’s war in Ukraine is unsustainable, with increasingly catastrophic human and fiscal losses delivering only limited military returns, reinforcing the need for facts, not propaganda, in assessing European security.

The United Kingdom remains unequivocally committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Our support for Ukraine is long term, coordinated, and grounded in the shared understanding that European security is indivisible. Upholding the principles of the Helsinki Final Act is not optional; it is essential to stability across the OSCE area. Continued support to Ukraine is both a legal and strategic necessity.

The United Kingdom attaches particular importance to the core purpose of the Forum for Security Co-operation: to discuss politico-military issues on the basis of professional military expertise, factual analysis, and transparency. Our assessments are grounded in open-source information and, wherever possible, independent third‑party verification, not in state-sponsored propaganda. Preserving the FSC as a space for professional politico‑military dialogue, rather than one shaped by escalation through disingenuous politicisation, is essential if this body is to contribute meaningfully to risk and escalation management and stability.

With that in mind and in line with the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security and drawing on open‑source reporting and observable trends, our statement today highlights the growing imbalance between the costs Russia is incurring in Ukraine and the limited military gains it is achieving. These dynamics have clear implications for regional stability, military sustainability, and escalation management — core concerns of the FSC.

At the outset, let me be clear: the United Kingdom is horrified by the scale of human loss that this war has produced. All military casualties are tragic. Mass casualties, force degradation, and fiscal strain in any major military power have direct implications for regional stability, escalation risk, and the overall security environment that concerns this Forum. These dynamics affect us all, not only Russia. In 2025, Russian forces reportedly sustained approximately 420,000 casualties, including up to 200,000 killed, while occupying an additional estimated 0.8 per cent of Ukrainian territory. In 2026, those returns have worsened further.

In 2026, Russian losses remain exceptionally high. Even during winter, when operations were partially constrained, average monthly casualties in early 2026 exceeded 30,000, only slightly below the 2025 monthly average of around 35,000. As Russian forces inevitably intensify assaults over the summer and move toward the dense urban belt in Donetsk oblast, casualty rates are likely to return to, or surpass, last year’s record levels. The proportion of losses that are killed, captured, or permanently wounded is reportedly at its highest level to date, placing additional strain on Russia’s mobilisation system.

These losses add to an estimated cumulative total of roughly 1.3 million casualties since the start of the full‑scale invasion. From a security‑governance perspective, these figures point to a conflict trajectory that is neither militarily decisive nor sustainable over the longer term without increasingly severe political and economic trade‑offs. But this is a conscious choice that President Putin has made.

As the pool of volunteers shrinks, Russia faces narrowing mobilisation options. Financial incentives have become more expensive, while large‑scale compulsory mobilisation would risk domestic instability. Most of Russia’s pre‑war professional force has been depleted, forcing commanders to rely on basic, attritional tactics conducted by minimally trained recruits.

Russia’s inability to generate a strategic reserve further undermines operational effectiveness and increases instability along the line of contact. Forces cannot be concentrated for offensive action without exposing other sectors, a vulnerability exploited by Ukrainian counter‑operations near Dobropillia and Kupiansk, where approximately 200 square kilometres have recently been liberated.

These personnel challenges are reflected in rising costs. Russian spending on military manpower increased from approximately USD 39 billion in 2024 to over USD 50 billion in 2025, or around ten per cent of total government spending. Reports indicate that compensation payments to families of fallen soldiers now exceed spending on salaries for serving personnel — an indicator of both the scale of losses and their long‑term fiscal impact.

These cumulative military pressures underline a broader point relevant to this Forum: prolonged violations of the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act — sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes — carry mounting costs not only for the victims of aggression, but also for the aggressor’s own security and stability.

Russia’s continued aggression has weakened its own military capacity, eroded its economic foundations, and increased risk across the OSCE area. The United Kingdom takes no satisfaction in the scale of Russian casualties. The loss of life is a tragic consequence of a war that Russia alone chose to initiate and can move to end.

By contrast, Ukraine’s partners remain united, better resourced, and resolved to continue support for as long as required. Support increased significantly in 2025, and long‑term financial instruments now underpin Ukraine’s resilience into 2027. We will not tire, we will not fragment, and we will not be deterred by escalation narratives. Our commitment to Ukraine is grounded in international law, reinforced by capability, and sustained by collective will.

Finally, the UK stands in solidarity with Romania and we commend the measured and responsible response to the repeated and unacceptable violations of its sovereign airspace. The UK remains firmly committed to NATO’s collective defence, including through the deployment of Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons under NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission, and we reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression.