In a passionate speech to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of turning Russia into a “mafia state” and attempting to expand it into a “mafia empire.” Lammy criticized Putin’s actions in Ukraine and Africa, asserting that his motives are purely self-serving.
“Vladimir Putin, when you fire missiles into Ukrainian hospitals, we know who you are. When you send mercenaries to African countries and murder opponents in European cities, we know who you are. Your invasion is solely for your own interests, to expand your mafia state into a mafia empire built on corruption,” Lammy stated.
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is in his interest – and his interest alone.
To expand his mafia state into a mafia empire.
This government will call out Putin’s imperialism for what it is. pic.twitter.com/P2EJLXxdJm
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) September 25, 2024
His remarks came as the Ukraine-Russia conflict remains unresolved, despite more than two years of intense fighting. While Ukraine has achieved some success in Russia’s Kursk region, Russian forces continue to make advances in eastern Ukraine, with two strategic cities nearing capture.
Lammy, a Black man, drew parallels between Russia’s expansionist goals and the slave-owning mentality of the past, invoking his ancestors who were enslaved. He called Russia’s actions a form of modern imperialism and vowed to “call it out for what it is.”
Russia, which denies Ukraine’s sovereignty, seeks to control large parts of eastern Ukraine, with around 80% already under its control. Despite being a UNSC member, Lammy accused Russia of “tearing up the UN Charter” through its aggressive actions.
