In a statement delivered to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on 24 October 2024, Ambassador Neil Holland expressed the UK’s deep concern over Russia’s growing threat to global stability, food security, and maritime safety.
He also highlighted the concerning developments in Russia’s increasing ties with North Korea, as well as its escalating military actions in the Black Sea region.
Addressing reports of North Korean combat troops being sent to support Russia, Holland noted, “Our assessment is that it is highly likely that the transfer of these troops has begun. Russia has already procured significant munitions and arms from the DPRK, in direct violation of multiple UN resolutions.”
He warned that North Korea’s involvement in the conflict would come at a heavy price and has security implications for the entire OSCE region.
Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and subsequent missile strikes on Ukrainian grain facilities were a key focus of the statement. Ambassador Holland pointed out that “Russia has repeatedly demonstrated its disregard for global food security and international principles, including freedom of navigation, the bedrock of global trade.”
He condemned Russia’s deliberate attacks on civilian ships and export infrastructure in Odesa between 5 and 14 October, which resulted in the destruction of 300,000 tonnes of grain and the deaths of at least 10 civilians.
Holland added, “It is unacceptable to target ships engaged only in the transportation of grain. Russia’s actions deliberately harm global food security, hindering exports of wheat, maize, and barley from one of the world’s top grain exporters.” He explained that these actions had a severe impact on vulnerable populations, particularly in regions such as Palestine and southern Africa, where grain shipments were destined.
The UK also raised alarm over Russia’s use of a 600-vessel “shadow fleet” to circumvent international sanctions, which Holland described as “unsafe, lacking adequate insurance, and engaging in dangerous and deceptive shipping practices.” He reiterated the UK’s commitment to taking action against this illegal fleet, with 43 oil tankers already barred from UK ports and services, and emphasised the UK’s broader call to action, supported by 45 other nations.
In closing, Ambassador Holland stated, “We cannot and will not ignore Russia’s violations of the laws and principles that underpin global trade and food security. We call on the Russian authorities to end this unjustifiable war and return to conformity with the OSCE’s foundational principles.”
The Russian people deserve better than to be associated with regimes like N. Korea and Iran. They need to have some self respect and get rid of Putin.
I have never been to or meet North Koreans so cannot judge, but western method of sanctions and treating as a enemy has achieved nothing. I have spent many years working in Iran, they are wonderful people. I am happy to work with any nationality in mutual respect to the benefit of both our countries.
Putin, we have the President the majority of Russian voted for, time for you to get over it
I’m sure the Iranian people are as decent as the rest of us. But their president is an inflexible fanatic and a bully. The indications are that regime change will come soon for Iran to remove the yoke on the people’s neck. Regarding N.Korea, what goes around comes around; the US literally flattened country in the Korean war: a virulent anti-US was an easy sell to the population. I applaud your loyalty, but it can’t be right that opposition leaders are imprisoned, that foreign journalists are held as exchange pawns for Russian assassins or that tens or even hundreds of… Read more »
I disagree on your view of Iran’s new president, he is very much a moderate, but whatever happens it is up to the Iranian people to decide. As for war, it is a tragedy for both Russia and Ukraine, it did not need to happen, many missed opportunities to avoid it. If you think this is about some version of “greater Russia imperialism” then it is you who has been misled, but it becomes a pointless conversation about who has the best propaganda and I’ve see many time in the comment section how westerners think Russian are mindless orc’s incapable… Read more »
My mistake on Iran’s president. I meant the Supreme Leader.
I am not an advocate of using language like ‘mindless orcs’.
Letting go of a colonial history is not easy. The French struggled with Algeria; the British are struggling with the Commonwealth. N.Ireland is still a tinderbox but a way has been found to create and guarantee democratic governance which respects different cultures. It can be done.
I am sorry for the slow reply,
I have my view of the supreme leader but as a guest in Iran it is irrelevant what I think but I believe religion and state should be separate.
This war is about NATO expansion, nothing to do with colonial or imperialism, if you read the almost agreed Istanbul agreement Ukraine would of kept all its oblast (Minus Crimea). I do not think westerners really understand how much many Russian are unhappy about this, made worse by many of the comments made by Western leaders
The pivotal issue is that of identity. The ethnic Russians in Luhansk and Donetsk who constitute about 1/2 of the population of these provinces, derive their sense of identity from ‘Mother Russia’. In some ways their situation can be compared to that of the nationalist population in Northern Ireland; different religion, different native language and cultural history, different political tradition.Its a question of where you feel you belong and whether you feel you can exercise self determination. These situations are difficult to manage. People need to be flexible. Sometimes you need a temporary arrangement. Mutual respect is a pre-requisite for… Read more »
Not just the US in the Korean War opposing North Korea and their Chinese allies.
If only your assumptions about elections in Russia were true! I’m sure most of us on here and elsewhere have seen the videos of vote rigging!
Easier said than done. Not so easy to vote him out of office – or to initiate a coup.
why.
And UN us shaking hands with Putin at Brics summit..who to believe?who is violating what?