UN warns of escalating humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

The UN Security Council convened to address Ukraine’s worsening humanitarian crisis as Russian attacks intensify. UN officials reported rising civilian casualties, extensive damage to infrastructure, and limited humanitarian access, with millions facing hardship as winter approaches.

The United Nations Security Council met to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine, where civilians are enduring intensified Russian attacks. UN officials warned of increasing casualties, widespread infrastructure destruction, and an intensifying crisis as winter approaches.

Rising Casualties and Infrastructure Damage

UN humanitarian official Lisa Doughten briefed the Council, highlighting a sharp rise in civilian casualties. She reported that in November alone, long-range weapons killed 65 civilians and injured 372, a dramatic increase compared to October. Attacks across Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson have left many dead or wounded.

Energy Infrastructure and Humanitarian Access

Doughten also reported that more than 60% of Ukraine’s energy facilities have been damaged, leaving millions without power as winter nears. Furthermore, humanitarian aid has been severely restricted, with 1.5 million civilians in Russian-controlled territories unable to receive assistance.

The humanitarian official expressed grave concern for the 1.5 million civilians in the Russian-held regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, noting that aid efforts are severely limited in these areas.

Russia’s UN representative, Vasily Nebenzya, criticized Ukraine for rejecting ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposals. He accused Ukrainian leaders of prolonging the conflict by not accepting a Christmas ceasefire and refusing to take back prisoners held in Russia.

Ukraine’s Permanent Representative, Sergiy Kyslytsya, countered by condemning Russia’s ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure. He highlighted a recent airstrike in Zaporizhzhia, which killed 11, including two children. He also pointed out that Russia’s missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have increased, with over 1,100 missiles used in 2024 alone.

As the Security Council continues to discuss the situation, the war shows no signs of abating. With winter approaching, the humanitarian crisis intensifies, and millions of civilians remain at risk as efforts for peace and ceasefires go unanswered.

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