In September 2024, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for running a “mafia state” during a speech at the U.N. Security Council. Lammy condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, accusing Putin of flouting international law to expand his power. He compared Putin to a slave owner, citing his own heritage as a Black man whose ancestors were enslaved. Lammy spoke out against imperialism and stated that he would call out Russia’s actions for what they truly are.
During his speech, Lammy addressed the Russian representative in the U.N. Security Council, emphasizing that he stood not only as a British official but also as a descendant of enslaved individuals who rebelled against their oppressors. He accused the Russian government of seeking to build a corrupt empire through its invasion of Ukraine. Lammy’s remarks come as Ukraine continues to seek permission to use Western weapons, including British-made Storm Shadow missiles, to strike deep into Russian territory. These missiles have reportedly been used by Ukraine to target Russian military installations in Crimea.
The U.K. has reportedly been privately supportive of allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles in strikes on Russia but has hesitated to publicly advocate for this policy change due to concerns about backlash from the U.S. Lammy’s criticism of Putin and Russia’s actions align with the broader international condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine and violations of international law. As Ukraine seeks additional firepower to combat Russian forces, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the U.S. aims to secure more support for his country’s defense efforts.
Ukrainian soldiers on the ground have expressed mixed feelings about the level of support they can expect from their Western allies, questioning whether the U.S. will provide enough assistance to help them defeat Russia. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has raised concerns about escalating tensions between Russia and the West, as well as the broader implications for international security and stability. Lammy’s impassioned speech at the U.N. Security Council reflects the deep-seated concerns about Putin’s actions and the need for a unified response to address the crisis in Ukraine.
As the situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with ongoing military operations and humanitarian crises impacting the region, the role of international actors like the U.K. and the U.S. in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts is crucial. The use of advanced weaponry like Storm Shadow missiles underscores the intensity of the conflict and the high stakes involved for all parties. Lammy’s condemnation of Putin’s actions and the comparison to slavery highlight the moral and ethical dimensions of the conflict, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice in addressing Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The international community continues to grapple with how to effectively respond to the crisis and prevent further escalation of hostilities in the region.
