He said that the Russian Federation launched this full-scale attack on Ukraine in February 2022 in clear violation of the UN Charter and international law.
“A thousand days have passed, this war is going on, not stopping. “Deadly war engulfs more and more parts of eastern and southern Ukraine.”
“1,000 days of mass death, destruction and despair that continue unabated for millions of Ukrainian citizens.”
So far, at least 12,164 civilians have been killed, including more than 600 children. More than 26,000 were injured, but the actual number of casualties is believed to be much higher.
UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo said that this weekend, Russia launched large-scale airstrikes in all parts of Ukraine. Energy installations were targeted using 120 missiles and 90 drones, causing massive loss of life and property.
“Ukraine is systematically targeting and destroying critical civilian and energy facilities, depriving many Ukrainian citizens of basic necessities.”
About 580 medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed, and there have been reports of casualties among frontline medical workers and relief workers. At least 1,358 educational centers have been affected.
Citing media reports last night, he said Ukraine’s allies had authorized the use of weapons for long-range missile strikes inside Russia.
In view of this, Rosemary DiCarlo stressed that the security of civilians must be ensured, wherever they may be.
Aid efforts amid destruction
The Under Secretary General expressed concern that the war in Ukraine had caused severe environmental damage. The collapse of the Kakhova Dam has damaged local ecosystems and agriculture in Ukraine.
Ukraine is now on the list of countries where landmines are widely used. According to one estimate, a quarter of the country is likely to be covered by landmines, which is four times the size of Switzerland.
Millions of ordinary citizens of the country are dependent on life-saving assistance. More than 4 million people have been displaced within Ukraine’s borders, and 6.8 million have sought refuge in other countries.
The senior UN official said that UN agencies are fully prepared for Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery efforts and efforts to make the country’s energy infrastructure resilient.
Efforts are currently underway to provide the necessary assistance to people trapped in war-torn areas during the winter season, which requires adequate resources.
Homes and infrastructure have been extensively damaged by Russian attacks in Ukraine.
Risk of escalation of conflict
Rosemary DiCarlo said the risk of a nuclear accident is real, despite serious concerns from the international community. Military activity has been reported at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and other sensitive sites.
“The consequences of any such incident would be devastating and the prospect should terrify us all. Responsible action by all parties is imperative for nuclear safety and security.”
The Under-Secretary-General said that thousands of troops from the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) had recently been reported to have deployed to areas affected by violent conflict and joined the fighting.
“It will fuel the fire, make it more explosive and internationalize it.”
The top peacekeeping official warned that a violent conflict in Europe could have global consequences, undermine regional stability and deepen geopolitical rifts.
He stressed that “it must be put to an end” with a concerted diplomatic effort and political will to move away from the dangerous path.