On the incident at Leipzig airport on 4th August: UK statement to the OSCE

Thank you, Mr Chair.

I want to thank Germany for raising this issue today.

The United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with Germany following Russia’s reckless attack in Leipzig. We commend the German government on both its rapid and effective investigation, and its robust response to this attack. This was yet another attempt by the Russian state to undermine our collective security, to sow division among allies, and weaken our support for Ukraine. But such actions only strengthen our allied unity and resolve to support Ukraine.

This episode is part of a wider pattern of Russian threats and hostile activity intended to intimidate us and destabilise our democracies. But Russia’s efforts to undermine us will continue to fail. We are stronger together, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine, and we remain steadfast in defending our collective security. Our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and to the security of the Euro-Atlantic community is unwavering.

Mr Chair,

When the UK last addressed this Council on countering hybrid threats in July, we said that threats were intensifying and that the OSCE must give this greater political attention. The attack in Leipzig underlines why that remains necessary. The United Kingdom will continue to use this Council to expose Russia’s actions and defend the Helsinki Final Act principles.

Thank you.