Thank you, Mr Chair.

Last week Ukraine marked Defenders’ Day. This is a day when Ukrainians honour those who defend them and remember those who gave their lives so that Ukraine could live.

Today millions of Ukrainians stand united in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression. Once again, they are defending their statehood, their culture and their independence. On these grounds alone, Ukraine’s fight is an honourable one worthy of the world’s backing. But the stakes are, in fact, even higher, and they should matter to us all.

Because Ukraine stands between a world that is based on agreed principles, norms and laws, which has, for the most part, delivered stability and prosperity for our populations over several decades. And the alternative: a world where would-be aggressors are

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