PRESS RELEASE : UK condemns Russia’s bombardment of Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure: UK statement to the OSCE [April 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 April 2024.
Ambassador Holland criticises the recent intensification of Russia’s abhorrent attacks against Ukraine and their disastrous humanitarian consequences.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused unimaginable devastation, shattering the lives of innocent people. Yesterday Russian missiles struck the city of Chernihiv, in northern Ukraine, killing at least 17 civilians and injuring over 60 – including children. Russia’s aerial campaign across Ukraine has further exacerbated the challenging humanitarian situation.
In recent weeks, Russia has bombarded Ukraine’s second most populous city, Kharkiv, with near daily airborne attacks. Massive waves of drone and missile attacks have killed and injured civilians; destroyed and damaged houses, hospitals, and critical infrastructure; and driven the further displacement of an already traumatised population. On 27 March, Russia struck Kharkiv with glide bombs for the first time. These bombs are imprecise and highly destructive. Their indiscriminate use against civilians is abhorrent and unconscionable.
Russia’s tactics in Kharkiv and other cities across Ukraine have shown a total disregard for human life and the international norms and laws by which it has promised to abide. These have included double-tap strikes, where an initial air attack is followed by a second, killing rescuers as they attempt with great bravery to save lives.
The city of Odesa is also facing the onslaught of increased aerial attacks. Last week Russia struck Odesa’s transport infrastructure, killing five civilians – including a 10-year-old girl – and injuring an additional 14.
Madam Chair, as part of its ruthless campaign, Russia – as it has acknowledged – is deliberately and systematically targeting Ukraine’s energy system. Increased aerial attacks have forced essential services, including hospitals, to utilise back-up power sources and have severely hampered humanitarian operations. Millions of people have faced disruption to power, heating, and water supply, compounding the humanitarian situation in frontline areas. In Kharkiv and Odesa, homes were limited to just six hours of power per day.
On 11 April, Russia launched a barrage of 82 missiles and drones, destroying the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant. The thermal plant was one of Ukraine’s largest power-generating facilities and a critical energy asset for the Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr oblasts.
Despite such brutality, the people of Ukraine have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Russia’s attacks have once again failed to break Ukraine’s spirit. And Ukraine will not face these challenges alone. The UK is intensifying efforts to support Ukraine and has committed nearly £150m to bolster Ukraine’s energy sector. We are continuing to work with G7+ partners to help Ukraine repair, protect and build back its energy system. The UK is committed to providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and to push Russia out of Ukraine’s sovereign territory. This is the only path to a just and lasting peace. Thank you.
