The UK supported Ukraine in calling for today’s meeting.
Colleagues, last Friday, Russia asked the Council to meet following an alleged incident in occupied Luhansk, which UN briefers said they had not been able to verify because Russia refuses access to Ukrainian territory which it occupies.
The very next day, Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Kyiv since the start of the full-scale invasion.
These strikes caused widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, schools, emergency service facilities, Ukrainian government buildings and cultural institutions. These are not just buildings – they sustain essential service and underpin communities; they are people’s homes.
So far this month, Russian attacks have killed nearly 200 civilians and injured over 1,500 more. May is on track to see the most civilian casualties in Ukraine since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
This weekend also marked the third time Russia has deployed an Oreshnik missile – and the first time in Kyiv Oblast. Russia’s use of this nuclear-capable system in urban environments is brazen and reckless.
We are also deeply concerned by reports that diplomatic sites in Kyiv were struck, including UN premises and a residential complex housing the Albanian Ambassador. And Russia followed up its attack with threats to diplomats to leave the city, warning of another barrage.
Russia attempts to project strength through mass attacks, then comes to this chamber and plays the victim. But the truth is that Moscow’s escalating attacks against civilians betray its weakness.
Russia is desperate because it is going backwards on the battlefield. New intelligence shows that almost half a million Russian soldiers have been killed since the conflict began, while Ukraine still stands firm. Russia’s war is failing, so Moscow is resorting to escalation and intimidation.
Security Council members have been clear that we need peace. But such peace cannot be achieved while Russia continues its campaign against Ukraine’s people. Russia’s escalating attacks do nothing to bring us closer to a peaceful outcome – nor do they bring Russia any closer to achieving Putin’s war aims.
As the Secretary General said, an immediate comprehensive ceasefire is essential.
