Since the war began, 15,364 civilians have been killed, including 775 children, and more than 42,000 have been wounded, although the true numbers are likely higher.
“The suffering and destruction caused by the war in Ukraine can never be justified. The longer the war goes on, the deadlier it becomes, with increasing risks to regional and international security.“, said.
The death toll increases and the energy sector is affected
Ms. DiCarlo reported that at least 188 civilians were killed in February and 757 were wounded, a 45 percent increase from the same period last year.
Attacks have continued this month, including deadly attacks in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, while reports point to a Increase in strikes against railways and other transport infrastructure..
“Over the winter, damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure pushed the country’s energy grid to the limit. on the verge of total collapse”he told the ambassadors.
According to authorities, around 60 percent of gas production capacity has been destroyed and all power plants are damaged, causing persistent disruptions to electricity, heating and water supplies across the country.
In the southern city of Odessa, energy, industrial and port infrastructure has been damaged. The latest attack took place on March 19, when drones attacked apartment buildings. Four people were reportedly injured.
Ukrainian drone attacks
Meanwhile, Russia has reported Ukrainian attacks that have hit civilians and civilian infrastructure on its territory.
They include the largest drone attack targeting the capital, Moscow, to date, which occurred over the weekend of March 14-16, when At least 250 drones were reportedly shot down.. No civilian casualties were reported.
“In the Russian regions bordering Ukraine – Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk, as well as in the southern Krasnodar region – local officials have reported civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure from suspected attacks,” he said, although The UN cannot verify these reports..
Nuclear risks
At the same time, Military activity near Ukraine nuclear sites continues “with potentially devastating consequences” and recent events also underscore the serious regional impact of the war.
“Damage to the Novodnistrovsk hydroelectric power station in southern Ukraine on March 7 led to an oil spill and widespread water contamination of the Nistru River in neighboring Moldova,” he said.
The crisis caused “a 15-day environmental alert,” among other impacts. Additionally, according to officials, Moldovan airspace has been repeatedly violated by drones.
US diplomatic efforts welcomed
Before concluding her speech, Ms. DiCarlo stressed that a complete, immediate and unconditional ceasefire is imperative. He welcomed US-led diplomatic efforts over the past year to promote peace.
“As the most important initiative to date to help restore momentum toward a peaceful resolution, These efforts require sustained commitment and support.“, said.
He stressed that “the goal must be a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions,” while upholding the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
‘Sustained pattern’
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, who also briefed the Council, warned against increasing bloodshed and attacks on energy and other vital infrastructure.
“These attacks reflect a sustained pattern of damage to the systems that civilians depend on to survive, and humanitarian aid is increasingly stepping in to fill the gaps left by the deterioration of essential services,” he said.
He noted that the conflict is “increasingly characterized by the use of advanced technologies” and called for an investigation into the March 20 drone attack on a national non-governmental organization (NGO). Aid workers were evacuating elderly people in Donetsk province when their clearly marked van was attacked, killing two women and injuring two evacuees.
Support humanitarian workers
Mr. Fletcher also reported positive news, including that The UN and its partners reached almost a million people in January.providing food, monetary assistance, medical care, shelter and protection.
He ended by making three “requests” to the Council, urging members to insist that international law must be respected to protect civilians and the infrastructure on which they depend.
The Council must also ensure rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all civilians in need.
His third request was for greater financial support for the $2 billion humanitarian plan to help 3.6 million people this year.
“Nearly three-quarters of that plan is still unfunded, so please fund the response so we can deliver vital help at the scale and speed needed,” he said.