Ambassador Holland condemns the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and calls on Russia to end its illegal war and comply with international law.
Thank you, Madam Chair. President Putin's illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused untold suffering and destruction. Millions displaced, thousands killed, and vital infrastructure decimated - resulting in one of the largest humanitarian crises in Europe since World War II.
Ukrainians are enduring unimaginable hardships. Russian airstrikes have devastated cities, destroyed homes, and left critical infrastructure - including hospitals, schools, and energy facilities - in ruins. The destruction of essential services has curtailed access for millions to heat, electricity, clean water, and medical care. And children have had their education severely disrupted.
Over the past month, Russia has intensified its airstrikes, primarily targeting energy infrastructure causing rolling blackouts in several regions. Last night's attacks were the latest in a series. As winter approaches and temperatures plummet, this additional strain on the energy grid is deeply concerning and will disproportionately affect the vulnerable, including the elderly and frail.
Attacks on residential areas are also causing immense devastation. On 17 November, a Russian missile hit a residential building in the Sumy region. Among the 11 killed were two young girls called Ilya and Anastasia, who were just nine and fourteen years old. Their parents, like so many others, are left to cope with their grief as they endure this unrelenting war.
In search of safety, 14 million people - nearly a third of Ukraine's population - have fled their homes since February 2022. Families have been torn apart, entire communities have been destroyed, and children have been left homeless.
Humanitarian access remains a critical issue. Repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure and restrictions on aid delivery have exacerbated the suffering of vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. Relief organisations face significant challenges in reaching those in desperate need, due to ongoing violence. Humanitarian workers have been injured and killed. Vulnerable Ukrainians in the territories temporarily occupied by Russia cannot be reached.
Madam Chair, I also draw the Council's attention to the OPCW report of 18 November, which confirmed the presence of riot control agents in samples collected by Ukraine on the frontline. This is a serious concern and a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The UK calls on the Russian state to immediately cease its war of aggression, withdraw its forces, and comply with international law, including the Geneva Conventions and Chemical Weapons Convention. Safe and unimpeded access must be granted to humanitarian organisations to deliver aid and address the urgent needs of the Ukrainian population across the country.
President Putin's war of aggression is a stark reminder of the need to uphold the principles of sovereignty, human rights, and the protection of civilians. The UK reaffirms our commitment to supporting Ukraine, documenting human rights abuses, and pursuing accountability for those responsible for violations of international law.
The suffering in Ukraine cannot be ignored. It is our collective responsibility to act decisively to alleviate this humanitarian crisis and work towards a future where a just and lasting peace can prevail. Thank you.
