Sian Kevill

Last night, Russia terrorized Ukraine with over 50 strike drones, and over the past week, it has used more than 900 bombs, around 30 missiles, and nearly 500 “Shaheds” against various regions of Ukraine. Most of these strikes have targeted civilian and critical infrastructure. All of these attacks would have been impossible if we had sufficient support from the world in crucial areas: long-range capabilities for our security, truly effective sanctions to prevent Russia from importing critical components for drone and missile production—especially microelectronics—and political decisions that could ruin Russia’s will to wage this war. Ukraine deserves the same strong security as all our partners in the free world.

Russia is gradually ramping up its daily attacks with Shahed drones and missiles, still using Western components to do so. In October alone, over 2,000 Shaheds were launched against Ukraine—almost every single day. Such a massive number of Shaheds requires over 170,000 individual components that should have been blocked from reaching Russia. They come from companies in China, Europe, and America—lots of small but constant contributions to Russia’s terror. This ongoing supply chain highlights, yet again, the urgent need for the world to step up export controls on special components and resources. Russia must not be allowed to circumvent sanctions that were imposed long ago in response to this war. Sanctions must increase and be effective. Every scheme to bypass sanctions is a crime against people and the world. These very schemes also enable Russia to strengthen regimes in Iran and North Korea. This is a global threat, and only global, unified pressure can overcome it.

We have information about the preparation of two units of North Korean military personnel—potentially two brigades of around 6,000 soldiers each. This is a challenge, but we know how to respond to it. What’s important is that our partners don’t turn a blind eye to it. I’m grateful to all the countries and leaders who have condemned North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war. It’s clear that in Pyongyang, just as in Moscow, they don’t value human life. But we all are interested in ending this war, not prolonging it. That’s why we must stop Russia and its allies together. If North Korea can intervene in a war in Europe, it’s obvious that there hasn’t been enough pressure on this regime. If Russia can still expand and extend this war, then everyone in the world who is not helping to force Russia into peace is, in fact, helping Putin wage this war. Aggressors must be stopped. We expect a firm, concrete response from the world. Hopefully, not just in words.