Escalation of bombing on Ukraine – The United Nations calls for the resumption of negotiations for a complete ceasefire

This came in a briefing presented to the Security Council by Ms. Kayoko Goto, Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division of the United Nations Departments of Political Affairs and Peace Operations.

Last week, Ukraine witnessed one of the largest aerial bombardments since the massive Russian invasion in February 2022. It was reported that the Russian Federation launched more than 1,500 drones and dozens of missiles on May 13 and 14, targeting Ukrainian cities across the country.

Inside Russia, Ukrainian bombing has reportedly led to an increase in civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings.

Goto affirmed the United Nations’ condemnation of all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur. She stressed that such attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law and must stop immediately.

Repeated attacks on aid workers

During the meeting, the Security Council also heard a briefing from Edem and Sorno, an official at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The UN official indicated that aid workers in Ukraine were subjected to repeated attacks last week.

Two separate convoys, bearing distinctive UN markings, were struck while transporting life-saving aid to civilians. The parties were notified in advance of the movements of the two convoys.

Wesorno said these two incidents are not isolated. She pointed to the occurrence of other incidents and stated that such attacks are becoming more severe.“It makes delivering aid more difficult, if not impossible, in some areas.”

She stressed the need to protect humanitarian workers. She said that launching attacks against them directly is prohibited and may amount to war crimes. She called on all parties to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

Despite the risks, the United Nations continues to deliver aid wherever it can reach. Since February 2022, the United Nations and its partners have carried out 250 humanitarian convoys to frontline communities.

She and Surno expressed grave concern about the situation of civilians in and around these communities, “No matter what front line they are on. Every day (for them) is a matter of life and death.”

She and Surno affirmed the readiness of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to work with the parties on measures to support safe and dignified voluntary evacuation and ensure safe and regular humanitarian access to frontline communities.

What does it mean to provide humanitarian funding?

In light of these conditions, needs are increasing, but humanitarian teams have been able to reach only a small percentage of the 10.8 million people in need.

The appeal to fund the humanitarian response received only a quarter of the total requested amount, estimated at $2.3 billion.

To explain the impact of this, Wesorno said: “Funding is not just about ensuring continued operations. It determines which civilians stuck near the front lines will receive medical care, whether families displaced by the fighting will be able to stabilize their lives, and whether humanitarian organizations will remain there where they are needed most.”

Resume negotiations

As one year has passed since direct negotiations were held between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, Kayoko Goto stressed the need to resume them without delay to prevent further escalation and to achieve progress towards an immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire.

She concluded her speech by saying that dialogue, based on real political will and compliance with…United Nations Charter International law and relevant United Nations resolutions are the only way to achieve just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

She stressed that the United Nations remains ready to support all serious efforts to achieve this goal.