1486th (Special) Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council
Statement by Dr Katie Mead, Australia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna
26 August 2024
Madame Chair,
Australia continues to condemn Russia's illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine which violates international law, including the UN Charter.
As a steadfast supporter of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, we are working closely with our partners to help Ukraine end the war on its own terms and maintain pressure on Russia.
Aside from terrible damage to infrastructure and loss of life in Ukraine, Russia's war is also compounding human suffering and exacerbating the global food and energy security crisis.
Australia is closely monitoring Ukraine’s military actions, including in the Russian region of Kursk.
The Australian Government has been consistent in its support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russian aggression and for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace on Ukraine’s terms. We have provided significant military, economic and humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people, and we have worked with partners to impose costs on Russia, including via trade restrictions and more than 1,200 sanctions.
Ukraine must be allowed to determine its own future. Australia seeks a world that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, governed by agreed rules and norms, where the fate of smaller countries is not determined by larger countries – a world where each country’s sovereignty is respected.
Russia cannot be allowed to win this war, lest we signal to authoritarian regimes that coercion and conflict is an effective means of statecraft.
Ukraine’s celebration of its 33rd Independence Day on 24 August offered a chance for us all to reflect on Ukraine’s ongoing fight. We recognise the immeasurable resolve and courage of the Ukrainian people as they stand up to Russia’s continued aggression.
Australia will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. We will continue to pursue a world where differences and disputes are settled through institutions and agreed international rules and norms – not by unilateral force.
Thank you