UK condemns Russia鈥檚 bombardment of Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure: UK statement to the OSCE
Ambassador Holland criticises the recent intensification of Russia鈥檚 abhorrent attacks against Ukraine and their disastrous humanitarian consequences.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Russia鈥檚 illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused unimaginable devastation, shattering the lives of innocent people. Yesterday Russian missiles struck the city of Chernihiv, in northern Ukraine, killing at least 17 civilians and injuring over 60 鈥� including children. 聽Russia鈥檚 aerial campaign across Ukraine has further exacerbated the challenging humanitarian situation.
In recent weeks, Russia has bombarded Ukraine鈥檚 second most populous city, Kharkiv, with near daily airborne attacks. Massive waves of drone and missile attacks have killed and injured civilians; destroyed and damaged houses, hospitals, and critical infrastructure; and driven the further displacement of an already traumatised population. On 27 March, Russia struck Kharkiv with glide bombs for the first time. 皇冠体育appse bombs are imprecise and highly destructive. 皇冠体育appir indiscriminate use against civilians is abhorrent and unconscionable.
Russia鈥檚 tactics in Kharkiv and other cities across Ukraine have shown a total disregard for human life and the international norms and laws by which it has promised to abide. 皇冠体育appse have included double-tap strikes, where an initial air attack is followed by a second, killing rescuers聽as they attempt with great bravery to save lives.
皇冠体育app city of Odesa is also facing the onslaught of increased aerial attacks. Last week Russia struck Odesa鈥檚 transport infrastructure, killing five civilians 鈥� including a 10-year-old girl 鈥� and injuring an additional 14.
Madam Chair, as part of its ruthless campaign, Russia 鈥� as it has acknowledged - is deliberately and systematically targeting Ukraine鈥檚 energy system. Increased aerial attacks have forced essential services, including hospitals, to utilise back-up power sources and have severely hampered humanitarian operations. Millions of people have faced disruption to power, heating, and water supply, compounding the humanitarian situation in frontline areas. In Kharkiv and Odesa, homes were limited to just six hours of power per day.
On 11 April, Russia launched a barrage of 82 missiles and drones, destroying the Trypilska 皇冠体育apprmal Power Plant. 皇冠体育app thermal plant was one of Ukraine鈥檚 largest power-generating facilities and a critical energy asset for the Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr oblasts.
Despite such brutality, the people of Ukraine have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Russia鈥檚 attacks have once again failed to break Ukraine鈥檚 spirit. And Ukraine will not face these challenges alone. 皇冠体育app UK is intensifying efforts to support Ukraine and has committed nearly 拢150m to bolster Ukraine鈥檚 energy sector. We are continuing to work with G7+ partners to help Ukraine repair, protect and build back its energy system. 皇冠体育app UK is committed to providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and to push Russia out of Ukraine鈥檚 sovereign territory. This is the only path to a just and lasting peace. Thank you.