UK speaks in OSCE regarding transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia
Flag of the UK (photo: Getty Images)
The UK condemns Iran's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. This poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to the entire European security, states the UK Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Neil Holland.
He noted that last week Russia convened one of the most hypocritical Security Council meetings regarding the transfer of Western weapons to Ukraine. Holland emphasized that this was a cynical use of the Security Council to criticize the support of a sovereign state (Ukraine) in exercising its legitimate right to defend itself against Russian aggression.
"But in making these accusations, Russia succeeded only in highlighting its own double standards and disinformation – the hallmarks of its malign actions on our continent and beyond. Because just days before the meeting, we learned that Russia had taken delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles," he stated.
The British ambassador added that the transfer of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia poses a direct threat to European security. Furthermore, Russia's acquisition of missiles from North Korea also violates UN Security Council resolutions.
He explained two key differences between the situations concerning Ukraine and Russia. Specifically, Ukraine is receiving weapons as a sovereign state to enable it to defend itself. Meanwhile, Russia is using provided weapons to wage war.
"In one, weapons are being supplied to a sovereign State, Ukraine, to give it the means to defend itself in accordance with international law. In another, weapons are being sent to a state, Russia, which is aggressively waging war against its neighbour which violates the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. And what is more, these weapons are being used to wreak misery on Ukrainian civilians," Holland said.
Additionally, the head of the British mission to the OSCE strongly condemned the attack by Russian forces on ICRC staff on September 12 in the Donetsk region, as well as Russia's assault on a civilian cargo ship in the Black Sea on September 11.
