PRESS RELEASE : Russia is seeking to terrorise civilians in Ukraine – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 July 2024.
Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s relentless targeting of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, which is a violation of humanitarian law and OSCE principles.
Madam Chair, in spring 2024, Russia significantly intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, continuing a strategy aimed at crippling Ukraine’s power supply. These attacks have continued into the summer and caused widespread and lasting damage across Ukraine. This has severely impacted civilians and their access to essential services including electricity, heating, and water. Russia’s attacks since spring 2024 have resulted in a total electricity loss of over 9 GW, with rolling blackouts occurring throughout Ukraine, plunging civilians into darkness.
Russia carried out one of its most extensive assaults in early June, launching 70 missiles and drones overnight, targeting energy facilities in at least five Ukrainian regions, resulting in substantial damage to the power system. Ukrainian air defences managed to intercept many of the incoming missiles and drones, but the attack still inflicted considerable damage on critical infrastructure and caused widespread civilian suffering.
The damage Russia has caused to Ukraine’s energy grid, comes at a particularly challenging time, as recently parts of Ukraine have been engulfed in a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. This has led to a sharp demand in electricity, mainly for air conditioning. The combination of rising temperatures with power shortages and disruptions to water supplies caused by Russian attacks, is incredibly dangerous for civilians – particularly to the health of the frail and elderly.
Additionally, Ukraine faces a great challenge to restore power before the winter – running the risk that millions may not have sufficient heat as temperatures drastically decrease.
Madam Chair, Russia is violating international humanitarian law by terrorising the civilian population with its relentless targeting of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and its persistent attacks on energy infrastructure also represent a violation of its commitments to the OSCE’s Helsinki Final Act. Russia has flouted several foundational principles of this organisation including respect for sovereignty, refraining from the threat or use of force, and upholding human rights. The international community, including the OSCE, must continue to hold Russia accountable for these violations.
In the face of Russia’s aggression, the people of Ukraine have demonstrated their strength and resilience and we are committed to their long term support. The UK has already pledged nearly £150 million to reinforce Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and bolster its cybersecurity defences. We will continue to work with international partners to help Ukraine repair, protect and restore its energy system. Our commitment, to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and to restore its sovereignty over all of its territory, is iron-clad. As we know, this is the only path to a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter and OSCE principles. Thank you, Madam Chair.
