PRESS RELEASE : Constant missile and drone attacks show Russia’s callous disregard for Ukraine’s citizens – UK statement at the UN Security Council [September]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 September 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Colleagues, over two and half years since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine it is the Ukrainian people who continue to bear the terrible consequences of Russia’s aggression.

14 million Ukrainians are already in need of humanitarian assistance.

Rather than end this suffering, Russia has chosen to sharply increase its attacks on schools and hospitals in recent months.

This Council met in July to discuss the particularly shocking damage caused by a Russian missile strike on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital. Since then, the situation has only got worse. The UN reports that Russian attacks have led to 184 civilian casualties in the last month, in cities and towns across the country.

And Russia continues to target key energy facilities across the country. Over 100 attacks since March, have caused extended power cuts affecting millions of people. To be clear, direct attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute a war crime.

This must end.

This constant bombardment, and Russia’s aggression along the frontline and in Ukrainian territory, is also complicating the humanitarian response.

As reported by OCHA on World Humanitarian Day, Ukraine is now one of the most dangerous contexts in the world for aid workers. There were over 225 incidents that directly impacted humanitarian operations last year, averaging four a week.

The systemic denial of humanitarian access also means we cannot verify the full scale of violations and abuses being committed against Ukrainian civilians.

The UK calls on Russia to comply with all its obligations under International Humanitarian Law, to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and to cease targeting infrastructure that provides the essential needs for Ukraine’s population.

Until Russia ends its aggression, Ukraine has the right to defend itself, under Article 51 of the UN Charter. And in defending itself, Ukraine is defending us all.

Ukrainians are risking their lives day in, day out to stand up for the values at the heart of this very institution – the UN – and the right of all our countries to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mr President, the UK remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine. We’ve committed £12.7bn of support so far, including vital lethal aid, crucial humanitarian assistance and funding for energy supplies. We will continue to support Ukraine in the face of this appalling aggression.

We reiterate once again our call for Russia to end this brutal war, to withdraw from Ukrainian territory, and to uphold its commitments under the UN Charter.