The new wave of bombings is an attack on the way of life of the Ukrainian civilian population: the statement of the UK to the Security Council

Thanks to the president. Thanks again to Deputy Secretary General Dicarlo for your briefing.

And thank you to Resident Coordinator Brown for your invaluable information on the situation on the ground and the work the UN is doing in the most difficult conditions.

So far, thousands of people have been killed, maimed and psychologically damaged in this war. Millions were forced to flee. Ukrainian cities turned into ruins, the ruins left evidence of atrocities. We have heard unbearable stories of sexual abuse.

And the true goals of the invasion were exposed by Russia’s attempts to suppress Ukrainian national identity and culture and illegally annex Ukrainian lands; an act widely condemned by UN members last week.

Unfortunately, the already dire situation is getting worse.

Under the command of Colonel General Sergei Suravikin, a man infamous for his brutal actions against civilians in Syria, we have witnessed a new campaign of drone and missile strikes across Ukraine.

Densely populated areas were affected, as were playgrounds, rush-hour traffic and residential buildings near the front line or military installations. The new wave of bombing has deliberately targeted critical national infrastructure, damaging or destroying around thirty percent of Ukraine’s power plants. These are attacks on the way of life of the civilian population of Ukraine. And they are a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

They are outrageous on their own, but even worse as winter approaches. Russian attacks mean Ukrainians are losing the ability to heat their homes and cook.

The intent of these attacks is clear. Russia seeks to subjugate Ukraine by terrorizing the civilian population. And it is doing so using weapons obtained from Iran in violation of Security Council Resolution 2231.

Now Russia is trying to distract us with attacks on the integrity of the UN and its investigative mandate. But Resolution 2231 is clear. It asks the Secretary-General to report to the Council on its implementation, and there is extensive precedent for site visits.

The key issue, of course, is that wherever these drones come from, using them against civilians is barbaric.

President, Russia’s actions are illegal and immoral and must stop.

Therefore, we once again call on Russia to stop its misinformation and deception, and its accusations that the West is somehow responsible for its atrocities.

We call on Russia to heed the calls of the international community, respect its obligations under international law and stop attacks on civilians, energy infrastructure, hospitals and medical facilities. And we again call on Russia to stop this war and return to the path of dialogue that it left in February.

Finally, the president

We recognize, as do others, the broader negative impact of Russia’s war.

The positive impact of the Black Sea Grain Initiative on global grain prices is clear, and we heard more about it today. We welcome and encourage the efforts of the Secretary-General to ensure the continuation of the agreement. You have the full support of the UK.