Russia’s intensifying attacks on Ukraine speak louder than its claims to want peace: UK statement at the UN Security Council
The UK Permanent Representative to the UN highlights Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine, including civilian casualties and infrastructure strikes, amid calls for de-escalation.
Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, stated that Russia’s attacks on Ukraine have intensified despite global calls for de-escalation. She noted recent strikes, including a glide bomb in Kramatorsk that killed at least 33 civilians and a cruise missile attack in Chernihiv that killed 22, including five children. These incidents occurred over three days, marking part of the ongoing conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The UK highlighted Russia’s targeting of civilian infrastructure, such as electricity and heating systems, with hundreds of drones and missiles striking daily. Russian strikes on Black Sea ports and merchant shipping were also cited as threats to global food supplies. In Kyiv, Russian drones hit civilian bridges in broad daylight, further endangering public safety.
Thousands of civilians remain trapped in Russian-occupied Oleshky, facing shortages of food, water, medical care, and essential services. The Kremlin described the situation as ‘critical,’ yet Russia has not ensured humanitarian access as required under International Humanitarian Law. The UK emphasized that Russia must allow unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief to affected populations.
The UK condemned Russia’s actions, including social media posts from the Russian Ministry of Defence suggesting Ukrainians would ‘freeze’ this winter. It also noted Russia’s rejection of an energy ceasefire and its framing of Ukraine’s energy system as a vulnerability. The UK reiterated that directly targeting civilian infrastructure may constitute a war crime and called on Russia to comply with international law.