Head of UN peacebuilding agency warns of ‘catastrophic’ winter for Ukraine, following Russian attacks on critical infrastructure
Ms. DiCarlo mentioned the latest wave of Russian missile and drone attacks in Ukraine that, according to her, have terrorized the people of several cities (Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia). ).
As winter approaches, the attacks, she says, “refresh fear that this winter will be disastrous for millions of Ukrainiansthose faced with the prospect of months of cold weather without heating, electricity, water or other basic utilities“.
All areas affected
The head of the UN peacebuilding team went on to list some of the reported consequences of the most recent attacks, from the death of a newborn baby in a maternity hospital in the Zaporizhzhia region, where it was attack during the night, to dozens of civilians killed in residential buildings. in Kiev and neighboring towns.
According to Ukrainian officials and media reports, the country’s energy supply has been depleted; Even before the latest attack, practically no large thermal or hydroelectric plants were left intact. All regions of Ukraine have imposed an emergency shutdown, and some areas are reported to be completely cut off power. Neighboring Moldova was also badly affected.
Ms. DiCarlo said humanitarian efforts to support the people of Ukraine have intensified: more than 430,000 people have received some form of direct assistance over the winter over the past weeks and nearly 400 generators have been distributed distribution to ensure energy for hospitals, schools and other facilities. vital facilities.
“The United Nations strongly condemns these attacks and demands that the Russian Federation cease these actions immediately,” DiCarlo said, calling for accountability for any violations of the law. war and reiterates that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law. Humanitarian law.
‘The world cannot accept a nuclear disaster’
Ms. DiCarlo expressed deep concern about the situation at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia.
She said that despite reports of shelling at the plant over the weekend, key equipment at the site was intact and there were no immediate nuclear safety or security concerns. ie.
However, she continued, “this is the result of sheer luck. We don’t know how long this good fortune will last. The world cannot let a nuclear disaster happen“.
The Deputy Secretary-General informed the Council that, a few hours before her speech, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that the plant is relying on diesel generators to provide cooling power and essential nuclear safety functions.
prisoner exchange
Ms. Di Carlo was able to point a glimmer in another assessment of the situation – a prisoner exchange.
She said Russia and Ukraine have announced the release of 35 Russian prisoners and 36 Ukrainian prisoners. She called on both sides to continue such release and to ensure that they fulfill their obligations under international law, in particular the Third Geneva Convention, regarding the treatment of prisoners of war. painting.
DiCarlo said all member states and international organizations must support efforts to prevent a man-made humanitarian disaster in Ukraine this winter.
As a result, shocks will be costly, not only for Ukrainians but for all of us.
