Pyongyang Using Ukraine as Test Site for Nuclear-capable Missiles, Speaker Warns
Nearly two years after the major escalation of war in Ukraine, there is no let-up in the death, destruction, forced displacement and human suffering, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, as delegates condemned Moscow’s intensified air strikes against civilian targets and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, as well as the continued military support for its war provided by Iran, Belarus and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
“The new year has brought no respite to Ukraine”, said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, noting that the country has been suffering some of the worst attacks since the beginning of the illegal war. Over the holiday period, Moscow’s missiles and drones targeted numerous locations, including in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Cherkasy, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia regions. Since February 2022, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has verified 29,579 civilian casualties with 10,242 people killed, including 575 children.
Further highlighting the appalling impact of the war on children, she reported that, since its start, nearly two thirds of Ukraine’s children have been forced to flee their homes. Moreover, she said an estimated 1.5 million children are at risk of post-traumatic stress and other mental health conditions, while 7,000 schools remain inaccessible to children, restricting their right to education.
Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, speaking on behalf of Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, voiced concern over yet another intensification in the conflict since 29 December 2023, with aerial attacks across Ukraine causing more civilian deaths and injuries and widespread damage and destruction to critical civilian infrastructure.
“The scale of humanitarian needs in Ukraine remains vast”, with more than 14.6 million people – about 40 per cent of the country’s current population – requiring some form of humanitarian assistance, she underscored. Four million people – including nearly 1 million children – are still displaced within the country. Highlighting the impact of conflict-related sexual violence, she said: “Underneath the very evident physical repercussions for Ukraine and Ukrainians, there lurks a much less visible but no less damaging impact: signs of a deeply rooted psychological trauma that could affect millions for years to come”.
In the following discussion, numerous delegates condemned Moscow’s widescale missile and drone attacks on residential, densely populated areas that have left hundreds of thousands without electricity or water amidst temperatures forecasted to plummet over the next few days.
Voicing concern over the “actively advancing” arms negotiations between Moscow and Pyongyang, the representative of the United States said his country just today issued a joint statement condemning the military cooperation that has now come to fruition between the two countries. The Russian Federation forces have now used Pyongyang’s ballistic missiles in Ukraine several times, and it will use additional missiles to destroy more of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and kill its civilians, he warned.
Adding to that, the representative of the Republic of Korea said that, in its illegal war of aggression, the Russian Federation is now also relying on weapons illegally provided by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Short-range ballistic missiles supplied by Pyongyang hit Ukraine on 30 December, 2 January and 6 January. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea thus used Ukraine as “a test site of its nuclear-capable missiles”, he said, highlighting the implication of their missiles on global nuclear non-proliferation. Echoing the assessment of some experts that the missiles fired into Ukraine are KN-23, which can deliver nuclear warheads, he said this presents an existential threat for his country.
The representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, expressed concern over the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the Russian Federation’s refusal to grant monitors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to the plant’s reactors. Moreover, she underscored that Moscow’s deliberate attacks on Ukraine’s grain storage and export facilities – as well as its actions to hinder freedom of navigation in the Black Sea – demonstrate its continued desire to weaponize food security.
Noting that Moscow persists in terrorizing his country with regular missile and drone strikes, Ukraine’s delegate noted that the Russian Federation maintains its capacity to harm Ukraine from a safe distance “due to an ongoing supply of weapons and munitions from rogue States”, in violation of multiple Council resolutions. He also stressed that the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russian Federation territory is a manifestation of genocide, calling on the international community to promptly execute the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against President Vladimir V. Putin.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Russian Federation rejected disinformation coming from Washington, D.C., that his country used ballistic missiles provided by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. He also recalled that, on 30 December, the Kyiv “regime” fired cluster munitions from multiple rocket launch systems at residential areas of the Russian city of Belgorod. However, he stressed, Western delegations did not condemn this planned war crime, during which 25 people perished and which was intended to cause terror among Russians.
Opposing the logic of confrontation, Algeria’s delegate stressed the urgent need to intensify diplomatic efforts to address human suffering. He underscored that all parties must prioritize civilians, cease hostilities and refrain from action that would hinder negotiations and prolong the conflict. “Peace is not out of reach,” he declared, expressing his country’s commitment towards a peaceful settlement.
Briefings
ROSEMARY DICARLO, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, said that “the new year has brought no respite to Ukraine”. The country has been suffering some of the worst attacks since the beginning of the illegal war. Over the holiday period, the Russian Federation’s missiles and drones targeted numerous locations across the country, including in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Cherkasy, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine. Since the start of the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has verified 29,579 civilian casualties with 10,242 people killed, including 575 children. Between 29 December 2023 and 2 January 2004 alone, OHCHR recorded 519 civilian casualties, including 96 people killed.
The war’s impact on children is particularly appalling, she warned. Since the conflict started, nearly two thirds of Ukraine’s children have been forced to flee their homes. An estimated 1.5 million children are at risk of post-traumatic stress and other mental health conditions. Moscow’s recent attacks damaged or destroyed at least eight schools and 10 health-care facilities, including a maternity hospital. In total, 7,000 schools remain inaccessible to children, restricting their right to education. However, amid the nearly unrelenting grim news from the war, one recent development stood out as positive, she said, citing a long-awaited exchange of more than 200 prisoners of war between both sides on 3 January – the largest such exchange since February 2022.
She pointed out that the Council has already met more than 100 times in various formats to discuss the war’s harrowing consequences. The 15-member organ has heard numerous testimonies about the horrors endured by Ukrainian civilians. “We have consistently voiced clear warnings about the risks of further escalation and spill-over outside Ukraine’s borders and even beyond,” she said, warning: “And yet, here we are, on the brink of the third year of the gravest armed conflict in Europe since the Second World War – with no end in sight”. The toll of this senseless war in death, destruction and destabilization is already catastrophic, she lamented, expressing her steadfast commitment to support all meaningful endeavours aimed at a just, sustainable, and comprehensive peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the relevant General Assembly resolutions.
EDEM WOSORNU, Director of Operations and Advocacy, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, speaking on behalf of Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said “nearly two years after the major escalation of war in Ukraine, there is no let-up in the death, destruction, forced displacement and human suffering”. To the contrary, since 29 December 2023, there has been yet another intensification in the conflict, with aerial attacks across Ukraine causing more civilian deaths and injuries, and widespread damage and destruction to homes, schools, hospitals, energy and other critical civilian infrastructure. Almost no region of the country has been spared. The attacks are taking a particularly heavy toll on civilians close to the front line, in the Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, where needs are already dire. Communities in the west of Ukraine and in Kyiv – far from these front lines – have also been affected. She reported that, since 29 December 2023, the deaths of 125 civilians and injury to over 550 others across Ukraine have been recorded. This brings the confirmed number of civilians killed since February 2022 to more than 10,200 – including 575 children – and those injured to over 19,300.
Across the country, attacks and extreme weather left millions of people in a record 1,000 villages and towns without electricity or water at the beginning of this week, as temperatures dropped below -15°C, she continued. The latest wave of attacks has further impacted aid operations and affected humanitarian workers, she said, noting that the number of humanitarian aid workers killed has more than tripled from 4 in 2022 to 15 in 2023. Further, as reported by Russian Federation authorities, recent attacks on Belgorod Oblast caused the death of at least 25 civilians in that country and injuries to over 100.
She went on to underscore that “the scale of humanitarian needs in Ukraine remains vast”, with more than 14.6 million people – about 40 per cent of the country’s population – requiring some form of humanitarian assistance. Four million people – including nearly 1 million children – are still displaced within the country. Over 6.3 million people continue to live as refugees in neighbouring countries and globally. Medical facilities have been hit relentlessly throughout the war: since February 2022, 1,435 attacks on the health-care system have been verified, including the killing of 112 health workers. Moreover, at least 10 facilities have been damaged in the latest wave of aerial attacks. In the past two years, more than 3,000 educational facilities have also been damaged or destroyed. As a result, almost 1 million war-affected children have no safe and reliable access to continue their education. “The time lost will jeopardize the future of an entire generation,” she added.
The war has also exposed millions of Ukrainians to heightened risks of gender-based violence, trafficking and exploitation, she underlined, reporting that men, women and children – from 4 to 80 years old – have been subjected to conflict-related sexual violence. “Underneath the very evident physical repercussions for Ukraine and Ukrainians, there lurks a much less visible but no less damaging impact: signs of a deeply rooted psychological trauma that could affect millions for years to come,” she cautioned. Further, she voiced concern over the lack of humanitarian access, especially to areas occupied by the Russian Federation. In 2023, humanitarian organizations reached nearly 11 million people across Ukraine with some form of assistance; however, as the war there continues unabated, driving high levels of humanitarian need, financial support must be sustained. Despite Moscow’s strikes on ports and related infrastructure and broader security concerns, exports from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports have continued to increase, she pointed out, highlighting the link between safe navigation in the Black Sea and global food security.
Statements
ANDRÉS EFREN MONTALVO SOSA (Ecuador) condemned recent, widescale missile and drone attacks on residential, densely populated areas that have left hundreds of thousands without electricity or water amidst temperatures forecasted to plummet over the next few days. Further, noting that at least 10 medical facilities have been damaged throughout Ukraine, he underscored that nothing in this – or any other – conflict justifies attacks on basic infrastructure. Parties must fully abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and caution. He also acknowledged the recent exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, expressing hope that similar positive measures will continue in the future. Additionally, he urged that the rights of transferred minors be protected – and that their return be facilitated – also calling on Moscow to end its military aggression “that has caused so much suffering and destruction”.
ROBERT A. WOOD (United States), highlighting the impact of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, said the Council – entrusted with maintaining international peace and security – “must call out violations of international law”. He voiced concern over the “actively advancing” arms negotiations between Moscow and Pyongyang. Noting Washington, D.C.’s role in shedding light on the situation, he said it just today issued a joined statement condemning the military cooperation that has now come to fruition between the two countries. It is abhorrent that a permanent member of the Council is flagrantly violating resolutions to attack another UN Member State, he said, adding that such violations exacerbate the suffering of the Ukrainian people and undermine the global non-proliferation regime. The Russian Federation forces have now used Pyongyang’s ballistic missiles in Ukraine several times, he pointed out, predicting that it will use additional missiles to destroy more of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and kill its civilians. He went on to underscore that the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded more than 1,400 attacks on health facilities since February 2022, noting that “not even half of the hospitals are functional in the east and south”.
SAMUEL ZBOGAR (Slovenia) said he could not help but notice a repetitive nature of discussions in this Chamber because nothing has changed. The Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine continues, blatantly violating the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and international human rights and humanitarian law. The death toll is rising at an alarming rate and civilians continue to be targeted. He also expressed deep concern about Moscow’s use of ballistic missiles provided by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The transfer of such weapons, let alone their use, violates numerous Council resolutions. “As long as the principles of the UN Charter and international law are being trampled, as long as civilians are suffering, there should be no room for fatigue,” he stressed, adding that there is also no room for double standards when it comes to respect to international law, which applies to Ukraine as it does to Gaza. He welcomed Kyiv’s proposed peace formula and hoped that concrete proposals would be put forward soon to restore peace in Ukraine.
GENG SHUANG (China) called on the parties to the conflict to remain calm, exercise restraint, strictly abide by international humanitarian law and make every effort to protect civilian populations and infrastructure – especially nuclear facilities. He further called on the international community and humanitarian agencies to scale up relief efforts to help those affected by the crisis. Noting history’s proof that “there are no winners in war or conflict”, he urged the pursuit of political settlement and de-escalation. The parties should therefore respond to the international community’s call for peace and resume peace talks at an early date. And, for its part, the international community should step up diplomatic and mediation efforts to create the conditions and atmosphere necessary to achieve this goal. Beijing, he added, has always stood for peace and dialogue on the Ukrainian issue, and will continue its engagement with all concerned parties towards a political settlement of this crisis.
AMAR BENDJAMA (Algeria) expressed concern about the humanitarian situation on the ground, including the loss of civilian lives, massive displacement and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including medical and energy facilities. It is of utmost importance to intensify diplomatic efforts to address such human suffering. All parties must cease hostilities, prioritize civilians and abide by international law, he urged, rejecting the logic of confrontation. Algeria has engaged in good offices through the Arab Contact Group. In this regard, he called on all to refrain from action that would hinder negotiations and prolong the conflict. “Peace is not out of reach,” he declared, expressing his country’s commitment towards a peaceful settlement.
JOONKOOK HWANG (Republic of Korea) said that, besides waging an illegal war of aggression and violating international humanitarian law, the Russian Federation is also relying on weapons illegally provided by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Short-range ballistic missiles supplied by Pyongyang hit Ukraine on 30 December, 2 January and 6 January, he recalled, strongly condemning its export of ballistic missiles and launchers, as well as Moscow’s use of them against Ukraine. By exporting missiles to the Russian Federation, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea used Ukraine as “a test site of its nuclear-capable missiles”, in wanton disregard of that country’s territorial integrity and safety of its people. Additionally, “the introduction of North Korean missiles into the war in Ukraine has a significant implication on global nuclear non-proliferation,” he warned, echoing the assessment of some experts that the missiles fired into Ukraine are KN-23, which the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea claims can deliver nuclear-warheads. For the Republic of Korea, this presents an existential threat, he said, noting that the Council’s inaction to date has only encouraged the Pyongyang regime.
BARBARA WOODWARD (United Kingdom) noted that Ukraine entered the new year in darkness, without heating or shelter, with air raids ringing. “Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop,” she underscored, also pointing out that Moscow’s use of ballistic missiles from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is a sign of recklessness and desperation. She called on the Russian Federation – a permanent Council member – to halt its arms trade with Pyongyang, fully implement all Council resolutions and restate its commitment to the global non-proliferation regime. Further, she called on Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and any third party providing material support to the Russian Federation’s war machine to stop immediately. “Ending Russia’s access to foreign weapons will help end this war,” she observed. Adding that the new year “is a time for resolutions”, she encouraged Moscow to make three: abide by the Charter of the United Nations and Council resolutions, stop attacking civilian populations and infrastructure and withdraw its military from Ukrainian soil.
DOMINGOS ESTÊVÃO FERNANDES (Mozambique) said that humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians are interlinked, complementary and mutually reinforcing notions in any conflict. The protection of civilians is the cornerstone of international humanitarian law. Therefore, the principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality must be scrupulously observed by all parties. However, humanitarian aid and protection to alleviate human suffering cannot be seen as a solution. Resolving the conflict is the most viable approach to deal with this humanitarian issue. Mozambique encourages the use of diplomacy and political negotiation as a first step towards a stable, long-lasting peace, he said, urging the parties to immediately cease hostilities and resume direct negotiations to resolve the underlying issues.
PASCALE CHRISTINE BAERISWYL (Switzerland) said that, just two weeks ago, the Russian Federation launched one of the heaviest waves of missile and drone attacks on populated areas since the beginning of its military aggression. These attacks have not only claimed civilian lives but have also destroyed homes and civilian infrastructure. Highlighting the enormous and growing humanitarian needs in Ukraine, she underscored that “solidarity from the international community is needed” and it can make a difference. For example, the support provided last winter – including the donation of generators – made residents and internally displaced people less vulnerable to the cold. Also, investments in repairs and maintenance have strengthened infrastructures in the face of attacks. Switzerland has contributed and continues to contribute to the resilience of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and population with its winter aid programme, she said, advocating for adequate financial resources for that country.
YAMAZAKI KAZUYUKI (Japan), deploring that the Russian Federation is again “weaponizing winter”, condemned its attacks against civilian infrastructure and cities across Ukraine. For its part, Japan has announced new contributions expected to benefit 5 million Ukrainian people and will continue to provide assistance going forward. He went on to condemn Pyongyang’s export – and Moscow’s procurement and use – of ballistic missiles from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, also expressing concern over the potential for any proliferation of nuclear or ballistic-missile-related technology to Pyongyang. Calling on both Pyongyang and Moscow to abide by their obligations under relevant Council resolutions, he stressed: “It is a totally outrageous situation that the international community is demanding the observance of Security Council resolutions by a permanent member of the Security Council.” Concluding, he urged the Russian Federation to withdraw – immediately and unconditionally – from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.
VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation) expressed objection to the approach of France, as holding the Council presidency, to invite many countries from the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to this briefing. There is no added value from their “carbon copy” statements. It is an open secret that today’s meeting was convened by Western members as a box-checking exercise. On 30 December, the Kyiv “regime”, with British and American support, fired cluster munitions from multiple launch rocket systems at residential areas of the Russian city of Belgorod. The Christmas market, where there were parents with children, was hit. As a result, 25 people perished, including five children. More than 100 people were injured. There were no military facilities nearby. This planned war crime was intended to cause terror among Russians. However, he heard no word of regret from Western delegations. On the contrary, some even justified it. France called Kyiv’s terrorist attacks on Belgorod the exercise of the right to self-defence. Russian Federation President Vladimir V. Putin said that Moscow would not strike at places where mothers walk with strollers.
He rejected a claim that his country used ballistic missiles provided by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, saying that disinformation came from Washington, D.C. Turning to the Donbas regions, he said that over the past eight years, at least 50,000 civilian infrastructure sites have been destroyed or damaged. Since February 2022, more than 16,000 residential buildings and almost 3,500 civilian infrastructure objects have been destroyed and damaged, including 700 educational and 180 medical institutions and 1,000 electricity, water, heat and gas supply facilities. These figures never appeared in the United Nations reports as its Secretariat is biased.
MICHAEL IMRAN KANU (Sierra Leone) expressed serious concern about the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Ukraine which is a threat to life, peace and stability of not only the Ukrainian and Russian people but also the entire region. Further, he voiced concern over the humanitarian crisis, which continues to inflict widespread devastation and hardship on particularly the Ukrainian population. Over 14.6 million people there – about 40 per cent of Ukraine’s current population – will need humanitarian assistance in 2024. Additionally, in the absence of due compliance with international humanitarian law, the prevailing concerning humanitarian situation could further deteriorate if attacks on energy and other critical infrastructure increase during the winter. The prolonged effects of the war will continue to exacerbate the already dire and fragile humanitarian conditions of vulnerable people, who will require sustained support if they are to meet their vital needs, he cautioned.
VANESSA FRAZIER (Malta) called on the Russian Federation to abide by international humanitarian law and refrain from using weapons with wide areas of effect. Moscow’s ongoing campaign of systematic air strikes against civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine must stop, as they only aim to increase human suffering, deprive Ukrainians of basic services and jeopardize global food security. On that, she stressed the importance of security and stability in the Black Sea. Further, the constant shelling and destruction are not only exposing millions of Ukrainians to the risk of death or injury, but also to other serious protection risks such as psychological distress and loss or damage of documentation. The most vulnerable people – along with those from marginalized groups – are the most affected, and the Russian Federation and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression, for other serious international crimes and for the massive damage caused by its war.
CAROLYN RODRIGUES-BIRKETT (Guyana) said that the devastating accounts heard today of unrelenting violence, death and destruction are cause for the gravest of concern. The prolongation of this war poses increasingly grave risks to all concerned and to international peace and security. It has brought nothing but unimaginable suffering and trauma for generations of Ukrainian and Russian citizens, not to mention its regional and international ramifications. Calling for an immediate end to the hostilities and the complete withdrawal of Russian military forces from the territory of Ukraine, she urged the parties to commit to a serious political and diplomatic process towards ending the conflict and the continued engagement of the international community to this end. She further called for continued international support for the victims of the war, inclusive of medical, psychological and legal support, with particular attention to children and survivors of sexual violence.
NICOLAS DE RIVIÈRE (France), Council President for January, speaking in his national capacity, said the Ukrainians entered the year 2024 under the Russian Federation’s continuous rain of more than 500 missiles and drones. Residential buildings, shops, churches, train stations, energy infrastructure: these are the targets of the Russian Federation’s army in Ukraine, he said. Condemning in the strongest terms these massive strikes, he stressed that, by deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, Moscow cannot lead the world to believe that it is pursuing military objectives. Instead, it seeks to break the morale of a nation whose identity it denies, he said, noting its intention to reconnect with its fantasized imperial past. France will continue to provide its unwavering support to the Ukrainian nation to enable its exercise of the right to self-defence. It will also continue its support to the Ukrainian courts and the International Criminal Court to fight against impunity for crimes committed by the Russian Federation, he noted.
SERGIY KYSLYTSYA (Ukraine), noting that Moscow persists in terrorizing his country with regular missile and drone strikes, reported that another massive attack occurred on 8 January – the third in less than two weeks. Critical civilian infrastructure and industrial facilities were damaged across various Ukrainian regions, and at least four people were killed, along with 45 wounded. He stressed that, in recounting these events, he does not mean to imply that there are calm, safe periods for Ukrainian civilians in between larger attacks – rather, attacks occur daily. He expressed concern over the fact that the Russian Federation maintains its capacity to harm Ukraine from a safe distance “due to an ongoing supply of weapons and munitions from rogue States”. The transfer of drones from Iran and ballistic missiles from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea contravene multiple Council resolutions, he underscored.
He went on to stress that all Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russian Federation territory under the pretext of humanitarian protection remain Ukrainian citizens. Further, he called on the International Criminal Court to take note of Russian Federation leaders’ attempts to transfer one national group to another through forcibly granting citizenship. Underscoring that this is a manifestation of genocide, he called on the international community to execute the arrest warrant issued by the Court against Russian Federation President Putin as soon as possible. Hundreds of thousands of that country’s citizens have paid with their lives for “Putin’s maniacal dreams”, he noted, adding that both present and future generations will suffer from these decisions. It is therefore in the world’s interest to end this criminal regime and bring about comprehensive, fair and lasting peace in Ukraine. However, this will only be possible if the international community works together, and such work must be based on the Charter of the United Nations.
KRZYSZTOF MARIA SZCZERSKI (Poland) observed that the Russian Federation seems convinced that it can outlast the Ukrainian resistance and resilience to defend its people and territory. Therefore, it is necessary to prove the Russian aggressor wrong by continuing support to Ukraine. His country has done so since the very beginning of the war. “The representatives of the free world cannot afford to become ‘fatigued’ with the war in Ukraine,” he said, noting that they must not only maintain the current levels of military and financial support to Ukraine, but increase it. For its part, Poland is currently discussing new forms of support, he said, stressing: “Should Ukraine falter, the risk of Russian aggression against new countries would rise dramatically. Should Ukraine prevail, the peace and UN values will be restored.”
ANTJE LEENDERTSE (Germany) said the Russian Federation is continuing its illegal war of aggression at full force, with the recent massive bombardments directly targeting civilians, even far from the front line. Besides drones from Iran, Moscow fired – for the first time – ballistic missiles produced by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The transfer of these weapons constitutes a direct violation of binding Security Council resolutions that the Russian Federation itself voted for. To exercise its legitimate right to self-defence, Ukraine relies on international support, she stressed, spotlighting Germany’s leading role in the supply of air defence systems which directly contribute to saving lives. Turning to the dire humanitarian situation in Ukraine, she said her country has contributed €403 million of humanitarian assistance. “What can the international community do to end this tragedy?” she asked, underscoring the need to press the aggressor to cease its unlawful invasion, support Ukraine in defending itself and create a foundation for a just and lasting peace.
HEDDA SAMSON, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, stated that the Russian Federation aims to destroy the morale and resilience of the Ukrainian people, as it unsuccessfully attempted last winter. She both condemned Moscow’s intensified campaign of systematic air strikes against civilian targets and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, as well as the continued military support for the Russian Federation’s war of aggression provided by Iran, Belarus and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Urging Pyongyang and Moscow to abide by Council resolutions that clearly prohibit arms exports or imports involving the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, she also expressed concern over the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the Russian Federation’s refusal to grant monitors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to the plant’s reactors.
She went on to point out that the negative consequences of Moscow’s aggression are not limited to Ukraine. The Russian Federation’s deliberate attacks on Ukraine’s grain storage and export facilities – as well as its actions to hinder freedom of navigation in the Black Sea – demonstrate its continued desire to weaponize food security. Security and stability in the Black Sea are vital for sustainable food exports to global markets – particularly to countries most in need. She also said that the Russian Federation and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, for serious international crimes and for the massive damage caused by its war. She therefore encouraged further efforts to establish a tribunal to prosecute such crimes as well as a future compensation mechanism, also expressing support for the work of the International Criminal Court and condemning Moscow’s continued attempts to undermine its independence, international mandate and functioning.
MATTIAS VAREM (Estonia), speaking also for Latvia and Lithuania, noted that since the war began, more than 1,300 attacks on health-care facilities have been reported by WHO in Ukraine. The Russian Federation’s representative tries very hard to come up with absurd claims by stating that the damage is caused by the Ukrainian air defence systems while repeatedly failing to address why Moscow even launches missiles which threaten the lives of innocent civilians in another sovereign country, he said. He went on to condemn Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for providing weapons and ammunition to the Russian Federation and called for a UN investigation into the weapons transfers. The three Baltic countries have altogether contributed more than $100 million in humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. “We will continue to support Ukraine until the aggressor is defeated,” he declared.
MAURIZIO MASSARI (Italy), aligning himself with the European Union, condemned in the strongest possible way the Russian Federation’s continuous brutal attacks targeting civilian infrastructures and cities across Ukraine. Assistance to Ukraine has been a priority for Italy since the beginning of the conflict, he recalled, spotlighting its support for the humanitarian actors who are working tirelessly to ensure the protection of the population. Reiterating his country’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, he cited political, military and economic support for the country as “one of the key priorities of [Italy’s] G7 Presidency”. Italy intends to play an active role in the reconstruction and social and economic recovery of Ukraine. In this context, he noted that a bilateral conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine was organized in Rome in April 2023, while in 2025, Italy will host the Ukraine Recovery Conference.
