Russian Federation Launches One of Biggest Air Attacks on Ukraine Since Full-Scale Invasion Began, Killing Over 30 Civilians, Top UN Official Tells Security Council
One of the largest aerial assaults since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 killed at least 30 civilians and injured at least 160 more on Friday, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, underscoring that attacks against civilian populations and infrastructure must stop immediately.
“Regrettably, today’s appalling assaults were only the latest in a series of escalating attacks by the Russian Federation,” observed Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. Daily reports of attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns continue, including on critical civilian and energy infrastructure, with many resulting in civilian casualties — 29,113 since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began. “The actual figures are likely considerably higher,” he added.
He went on to state that, tragically, 2023 is ending as it began — with devastating violence against the people of Ukraine. Against that backdrop, he said: “As we look to the New Year in the hope of avoiding further escalation, we recall the Secretary-General’s appeal to all concerned to do their part to help lay the foundations for sustainable peace in Ukraine — in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly.”
In the ensuing debate, several Council members reflected on the heavy toll this war has exacted on Ukrainian civilians since it began almost two years ago. Many also condemned attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure, calling for their immediate cessation. They also expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country — particularly amidst the onset of winter’s cold.
The representative of the United States said that the recent assault is a stark reminder that — after nearly two years of devastating war — Russian Federation President Vladimir V. Putin’s objectives remain unchanged: to obliterate Ukraine and subjugate its people. Adding that Moscow will claim that it only attacks military targets — “even when the evidence is clear for the world to see” — he stressed that the Kremlin’s lies do not conceal the horrifying wreckage across Ukraine.
The representative of the Russian Federation, however, said that, if there is anything to talk about today, it is exclusively the actions of Ukrainian anti‑air defence systems deployed in residential districts. If such systems had not operated, there would not have been any victims among civilians, and he stressed that Ukraine is nothing other than a private military company in the hands of Western countries. The military plans of the Kyiv regime have suffered a total fiasco, he said, adding: “And so very soon for you and your Ukrainian proxies, you can expect the very worst news.”
“Just look at the list of targets that were so ‘bravely’ destroyed by Russia last night,” said Ukraine’s representative, listing a maternity ward, educational facilities, a shopping mall, 45 multi-story residential buildings, private houses, 2 churches, commercial and storage facilities and a parking lot. Even a single missile or drone that is not intercepted can cause great harm, he stressed. “I have nothing to say to the Russian representative here in this Chamber,” he stated, adding: “Like his superiors in Moscow, he is a person with an amputated conscience and emasculated dignity.”
Meanwhile, outgoing Council members underscored the importance of dialogue, peace and the pursuit of both in the coming year.
The representative of Ghana, voicing regret that previous appeals for de-escalation have gone unheeded, stated that there can be no military solution to the long-standing disputes between the two neighbouring countries. Diplomatic negotiations and compliance with international law are the only way to achieve just and lasting peace, said Brazil’s representative. Gabon’s delegate, similarly, urged all concerned parties to return to the negotiating table in good faith and commit to meaningful steps towards peace.
“In two days, we’ll say goodbye to this year,” observed the representative of Albania, adding that everyone is hoping and wishing for a better tomorrow. “Well, maybe not everyone,” he added, stating that the Kremlin seems to “have other plans and is busy thinking of ways to destroy and inflict more pain”. Making peace is hard work, stressed the representative of the United Arab Emirates, underscoring that the war must end — both for the people of Ukraine and to prevent a further slide into regional and global instability.
“It is our sincere hope that 2024 is a more peaceful year than 2023,” he said, while adding that this will not happen without bold decisions that prioritize peace over escalation.
MAINTENANCE OF PEACE AND SECURITY OF UKRAINE
Briefing
KHALED KHIARI, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, briefed the Council that Russian Federation armed forces carried out a massive attack on Ukraine, reportedly launching 158 missiles and drones in several waves to target locations across the country. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 30 civilians were killed, and at least 160 were injured, in one of the largest aerial assaults since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion was launched in February 2022 in violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the latest attacks resulted in extensive damage to a wide range of civilian infrastructure, and electricity was cut in several regions following damage to transmission lines. Rescue groups are still searching for people trapped under the rubble of residential buildings.
“Regrettably, today’s appalling assaults were only the latest in a series of escalating attacks by the Russian Federation,” he observed. Daily reports of attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns continue, including on critical civilian and energy infrastructure, with many resulting in civilian casualties. During the Christmas period alone, attacks on the city of Kherson reportedly killed several people and wounded many others. Similarly, almost daily shelling has been reported across part of the Kharkiv region. According to OHCHR, the war in Ukraine claimed the lives of 1,888 civilians and left 6,334 injured in 2023. This brings total civilian casualties to 29,113 since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began. “The actual figures are likely considerably higher,” he said, underscoring that attacks against civilians and infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, are unacceptable and must stop immediately.
Stating that, tragically, 2023 is ending as it began — with devastating violence against the people of Ukraine — he noted that, once again, Ukrainians are forced to spend the holidays seeking shelter, clearing the rubble and burying the dead amidst freezing temperatures. He added: “As we look to the New Year in the hope of avoiding further escalation, we recall the Secretary-General’s appeal to all concerned to do their part to help lay the foundations for sustainable peace in Ukraine — in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly.”
Statements
FERIT HOXHA (Albania) thanked the Security Council President for convening today’s meeting on short notice. “In two days, we’ll say goodbye to this year,” he said, adding that everyone is hoping and wishing for a better tomorrow. “Well, maybe not everyone. Because in the Kremlin, they seem to have other plans and are busy thinking of ways to destroy and inflict more pain.” The world already knows of the Kremlin’s total disregard for human life, he said, adding that the Russian Federation’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine aims to bring an entire nation to its knees. He noted that the Security Council has exposed them several times and the General Assembly has been more than loud and clear on the issue. Today, the reckless behavior reached new levels with at least 31 people killed in a “signature” Russian Federation attack, targeting civilian infrastructure including a hospital and residential buildings. “Nothing was spared,” he said. “Russian pundits and news anchors were competing today to joyfully portray the attack in the most macabre and cynical way as the end-of-year fireworks for Ukraine.”
FRANCESCA GATT (Malta) said that several cities across Ukraine were targeted, including Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa and Dnipro. At least 30 people have been killed, and over 100 have been injured. Since the beginning of its aggression, the Russian Federation has fired at least 7,400 missiles against its neighbour, an average of 11 per day. Today’s aerial barrage, the biggest since the beginning of the war, has resulted, yet again, in the tragic loss of life. “We unequivocally condemn these barbaric attacks in populated areas in the strongest possible terms,” she stressed, also condemning attacks on civilian infrastructure, including maternity hospitals, apartment blocks and schools. Attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure are deplorable and constitute a blatant violation of international law. She also expressed concern over reports that a Russian Federation missile flew through Polish airspace. Such reckless provocations constitute a clear threat to international peace and security. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine keeps deteriorating dramatically, especially now during the cold winter months, she said.
JOHN KELLEY (United States) recalled that the Russian Federation recently organized a Council meeting concerning events from 10 years ago, claiming a discussion on the Revolution of Dignity would allow Council members to better understand how these events contribute to the present situation in Ukraine. “It is preposterous this is what Russia demanded the Council be distracted with this week while it was planning its largest aerial assault against Ukraine, its cities and its critical infrastructure since the beginning of its illegal full-scale invasion,” he emphasized. This assault is a stark reminder that — after nearly two years of devastating war — Russian Federation President Vladimir V. Putin’s objectives remain unchanged: to obliterate Ukraine and subjugate its people. “He must be stopped,” he underscored, calling on Council members to condemn this abhorrent attack. Adding that Moscow will claim that it only attacks military targets — “even when the evidence is clear for the world to see” — he stressed that the Kremlin’s lies do not conceal the horrifying wreckage across the country.
BARBARA WOODWARD (United Kingdom) described today’s air strikes as yet another brutal attack against Ukraine, the largest wave of missile and drone attacks, using more than 158 types of weapons. These missiles were aimed at population centres across Ukraine, she said, adding that they struck homes, apartment buildings, metros and a maternity hospital — in short, civilian infrastructure. “These reports are — unfortunately — no longer surprising. But they are still shocking,” she said, adding that at least 30 people have been killed and hundreds more wounded. And the death toll is still rising. The toll would be much higher were it not for the Ukrainian air defence systems which have been supplemented by the international community, she said. “This war, which a permanent member of the UN Security Council — Russia — chose, continues to inflict a devastating human cost on ordinary Ukrainians,” she said, recounting a recent visit to Ukraine where she met children recovering after an attack. These children lost limbs. They lost parents. They lost their childhood, she said.
NICOLAS DE RIVIÈRE (France) said that 2023 is closing with yet another emergency meeting in the Council on Ukraine. “France condemns these strikes that have led to 24 deaths,” he added. The Russian Federation is continuing its strikes of terror at a time when it is “teaching us” about respecting international law in the Middle East. This epilogue to 2023 is distressing. The support of France to Ukraine will not weaken. It is “our collective duty” to ensure that Russian Federation aggression does not go unaddressed. France will continue to support the Ukrainian vision of peace — “the only peace that is possible”. He also thanked the Ecuadorian presidency for its work for the month of December and the work and efforts of the five outgoing Council members.
MOHAMED ISSA ABUSHAHAB (United Arab Emirates), observing that “peace is nowhere in sight,” said that — while 2023 has seen new escalations in existing conflicts, such as in Ukraine, and fresh outbreaks of seemingly frozen ones, such as in Gaza — “it has seen precious few conflicts resolved”. Making peace is hard work, he went on to say, stating that dialogue and diplomacy require serious, sustained effort, that compromises are always required, that risks are high and that success is not guaranteed. The war in Ukraine continues to reverberate around the world, and ending it is necessary — both for the people of Ukraine and to prevent a further slide into regional and global instability. However, there has been no movement towards such an outcome over the past two years. “It is our sincere hope that 2024 is a more peaceful year than 2023,” he said, while adding that this will not happen without bold decisions that prioritize peace over escalation.
YAMAZAKI KAZUYUKI (Japan) said his delegation was appalled by the reports of the widespread attacks which have killed at least 30 people and injured more than 160, apparently deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure such as residential buildings and hospitals. He condemned in the strongest possible terms the attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those killed, wishing a swift and full recovery to the injured. “There must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities, including attacks against critical civilian infrastructure,” he said. The Russian Federation must end its flagrant violation of the UN Charter. He urged Moscow to completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine. Japan’s commitment to defending Ukraine is steadfast. “We have been with Ukraine and will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes,” he said.
CHRISTOPHE NANGA (Gabon) expressed deep concern over the prolonged conflict in Ukraine and the escalating intensity of the fighting. This situation continues to exacerbate the human cost of the war for the people of Ukraine. Addressing the precarious state of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, he emphasized that the potential risks associated with the militarization or non-compliance of nuclear sites in Ukraine must be a primary consideration for all parties involved. He urged all concerned parties to return to the negotiating table in good faith and commit to taking meaningful steps towards achieving peace.
ADRIAN DOMINIK HAURI (Switzerland) condemned the Russian Federation’s recent attacks against residential areas, as well as those launched over Christmas. The persistence of these attacks — affecting schools, hospitals and energy infrastructure — only increases human suffering, particularly during harsh winter conditions. “These attacks must stop immediately,” he underscored, calling — once again — for respect for international humanitarian and human rights law. To alleviate the suffering of the civilian population, Switzerland has invested more than $30 million in winter relief, including support for the United Nations humanitarian fund for Ukraine. Rapid, unimpeded humanitarian access must be guaranteed throughout Ukraine — including to territories under Russian Federation military control, such as the occupied city of Donetsk. “Switzerland does not recognize the integration of Ukrainian territories into the Russian Federation,” he added, calling on Moscow to immediately de-escalate the situation, cease all combat operations and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory without delay.
SÉRGIO FRANÇA DANESE (Brazil) said his country learned with dismay of yesterday’s air strikes on several Ukrainian cities and he mourned the dozens of civilian deaths. “As we have reiterated many times during the nearly two years of conflict, attacks on populated areas may represent a violation of international humanitarian law,” he said, stressing the need to respect international law. He also reiterated the utmost importance of protecting critical civilian infrastructure, in particular nuclear power facilities. “Any damages to such facilities, no matter if accidental or not, can have grave and unprecedented consequences,” he said, renewing calls on the parties to engage in pragmatic talks with a view to achieving a just and lasting peace. Diplomatic negotiations and compliance with international law are the only way to achieve it, he added, expressing his readiness to help find a solution to this crisis.
DOMINGOS ESTÊVÃO FERNANDES (Mozambique) reiterated deep concern about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and expressed empathy for the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people. “This conflict has brought devastating human consequences,” he said. The humanitarian crisis deepens with each passing day. Despite numerous calls for peace, the situation continues to escalate and worsen. The Ukrainian conflict poses a serious threat to international peace and security. Any military solution will ultimately fail; diplomacy remains the best option for achieving peace, he stressed. The destruction of basic infrastructure and agricultural facilities is of grave concern. All parties must consider viable avenues for genuine peace. Further, he commended Ecuador for its work during its December presidency of the Council and highlighted the contribution of outgoing Council members, namely Ghana, Gabon, Albania, United Arab Emirates and Brazil.
GENG SHUANG (China) said that the Ukraine crisis — “dragging on all the way to this date” — has been interspersed with grievous attacks, exacted heavy casualties on innocent civilians and destroyed infrastructure. Noting that his country has repeatedly called for restraint, respect for international law and the protection of civilians, he emphasized: “Today, I would like to repeat those calls.” There can be no military solution to this crisis, and he urged the parties to respond positively to the international community’s appeal for peace, enhancement their engagement and expand common ground “to put out the flames of war” as soon as possible. Further, he called on the international community to ramp up diplomatic mediation and contribute positively to a political solution, and in parallel, to work together to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. China’s position has not changed, he added, underscoring that his country did, does and will stand on the side of peace and dialogue.
KHALILAH HACKMAN (Ghana) said that 674 days into the war in Ukraine, the international community is nowhere near resolving this most unfortunate conflict. “In recent times, the front lines of the conflict have hardly moved and it is clear that the war will persist over the long haul with its debilitating impact on the world economy, military expenditure and the derogation of respect for international law,” she said. As has been reported overnight, Ukraine suffered its biggest aerial attack since the beginning of the war, with 31 dead and more than 150 injured. Voicing regret that previous appeals for a de-escalation the conflict during the cold winter seasons have gone unheeded, she renewed a call for peace in Ukraine in the firm belief that there can be no military solution to the long-standing disputes between the two neighbouring countries. She also urged all sides to uphold the fundamental principles of international law.
VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation) said that he was not at all surprised by such a “snap decision” by the Volodymyr Zelenskyy regime and its Western backers to request today's meeting. If there is anything to talk about today, it is exclusively the actions of the Ukrainian anti-air defence systems deployed in residential districts of Ukrainian towns and cities in violation of international humanitarian law. Ukrainian citizens are posting videos online of Russian Federation missiles and drones hitting military infrastructure targets, causing the characteristic detonation while Ukrainian anti-air missiles misfiring or going off course hitting residential buildings and civilian objects, he reported. However, the representative of the United Kingdom today “shamelessly” said that there would have been more victims if the Ukrainian air defence system had not worked. If the Ukrainian air defence systems had not operated, then there would not have been any victims among civilians at all, he said. Holding up several papers with links to photos and videos of today’s impacts, for example one on a residential building in Kyiv and comparing it to an Israeli missile attack on a residential building in the Gaza Strip, he said the difference in impact proves his point.
He also said that Ukrainians are furious because they are being forced to fight for a corrupt, “for sale” and anti-popular Government. People understand perfectly well that the authorities of the country have betrayed them and that their husbands, brothers and sons are being sacrificed for the geopolitical aims of the West. Ukraine is surviving exclusively thanks to colossal injections of financing from Washington, D.C., London and Brussels; it is nothing other than a private military company in the hands of Western countries. The military plans of the Kyiv regime have suffered a total fiasco, he said, adding: “And so very soon for you and your Ukrainian proxies, you can expect the very worst news.” It is entirely clear that betting on a solution to the Ukrainian crisis on the battlefield was a mistaken decision. “We gave the Ukrainian leadership an excellent opportunity to preserve their territorial integrity, of course, without Crimea, which, back in 2014, decided to become a part of Russia,” he recalled. The fact that the Kyiv regime was not allowed to take this option by its “bosses” in London and Washington, D.C., has now become a proven fact.
JOSÉ JAVIER DE LA GASCA (Ecuador), Council President for December, spoke in his national capacity to underscore his country’s rejection of armed violence — in this case, the Russian Federation’s massive aerial attacks against Ukraine. Recalling similar attacks on the morning of 29 December 2022 — which continued throughout 2023 — he called on Moscow to cease its attacks and “not repeat the pattern of December 2022”. Attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure must cease, and nothing justifies — in this conflict or in any other — attacks against maternity units or residential buildings. Expressing concern over persistent “military thinking”, he called for progress towards a peaceful solution that fully respects the principles of the Charter, as well as Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Adding that December has been a difficult, complex month, he said that his delegation has promoted dialogue for international peace and security, which is the “paramount goal” of Ecuador’s foreign policy.
Ms. WOODWARD (United Kingdom), taking the floor a second time, responded to the representative of the Russian Federation who misquoted her remarks. “I want to be clear: There is only one cause of the tragedy and that is the actions of Russia. The rest is a torrent of lies and disinformation,” she said.
SERGIY KYSLYTSYA (Ukraine) said that, as long as the Russian Federation is able to kill the credibility and integrity of the Security Council, it will “feel free” to kill innocent people in Ukraine and beyond. He expressed gratitude to the 32 Member States who supported his request for this urgent meeting, following another wave of air terror against Ukraine. Overnight, the Russian Federation launched one of its most intense and massive missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, targeting residential areas, critical infrastructure and industrial and military facilities across Ukraine. According to preliminary reports, the Russian Federation launched at least 158 weapons units, including 122 missiles of various types and 36 unmanned aerial vehicles. Russian Federation forces attacked with “Shahed” drones from the north and south-east, advancing westward. They continued their bombardments all night and into the morning. Ukraine’s Defence Forces were able to intercept 87 cruise missiles and 27 Shahed drones, thus saving the lives of innocent civilians. Even a single missile or drone that is not intercepted can cause a lot of harm. Unfortunately, the overnight attack has increased the scale of pain among Ukrainian people, he said.
At least 30 civilian Ukrainians were killed and more than 160 were wounded by Russian Federation missiles and drones — in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv, Smila and Konotop, he continued. “Just look at the list of targets that were so ‘bravely’ destroyed by Russia last night,” he said, listing a maternity ward, educational facilities, a shopping mall, 45 multi-story residential buildings, private houses, 2 churches, commercial and storage facilities and a parking lot. Noting reports of a Russian Federation missile intruding into the air space of Poland during the Russian Federation strike, he reiterated that Russian Federation’s air terror poses a dangerous threat to neighbouring countries, as well. According to the data released by Ukrainian Air Forces a week ago, the Russian Federation has fired 7,400 missiles and 3,700 attack drones at different targets throughout Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion. Meanwhile, the “brainwashed” Russian Federation society is full of hatred towards most of the world — not only towards Ukraine. “I have nothing to say to the Russian representative here in this Chamber,” he said, adding: “Like his superiors in Moscow, he is a person with an amputated conscience and emasculated dignity.”
BJÖRN OLOF SKOOG, Head of Delegation of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, reiterated the bloc’s condemnation of the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, along with its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and inherent right to self-defence. Moscow’s recent aerial attack was yet another “cowardly and indiscriminate” targeting of schools, metro stations and hospitals, he said, adding: “Everywhere you look, Russia’s warfare leaves death, destruction and human suffering in its tracks.” That country’s systematic air strikes against civilian populations and infrastructure are unacceptable and must stop, as they only add to growing evidence of war crimes. The Russian Federation and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as for the massive damage it has caused.
He went on to stress that, amidst Moscow’s continued attacks, the European Union and its member States will intensify the provision of further humanitarian and civil protection assistance to Ukraine, as well as assistance aiming to ensure the resilience of its energy sector throughout the winter. Further, the bloc and its members, along with international partners, will support efforts for repair, recovery and reconstruction — including those relating to de-mining and psychosocial rehabilitation. Concluding, he reiterated the unwavering commitment of the European Union and its members to provide strong political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people “for as long as it takes”.
KRZYSZTOF SZCZERSKI (Poland) said that, at this time of year, countries normally exchange messages of peace, but, with the fiercest air strikes in several months, the Russian Federation once again has demonstrated just the opposite. “It is against each and every norm of international humanitarian law that those air strikes escalated together with the onset of the harsh cold winter, and they are directed against civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he pointed out. More so, it is even more deplorable that the targets of those deliberate Russian Federation attacks are civilian infrastructure objects located hundreds of kilometres from the front lines — directed not against the military, but against the civilian population of Ukraine. Stressing that the international community cannot just let this happen, he stated: “Moscow clearly has not changed its goals. It wants to bomb Ukraine into subjugation and defeat.” That shows a lack of respect for the United Nations Charter and international law, he stressed.
Mr. DE LA GASCA (Ecuador), in his capacity as President of the Security Council for December, entered into the official record of the meeting a written statement by Lithuania, also on behalf of Estonia and Latvia, that strongly condemned the attacks perpetrated by the Russian Federation on 29 December, a time when people are celebrating Christmas and preparing to welcome the New Year. “Such aggression disregards the UN Charter, violates international law and Russia’s own commitments, ignores the views of international community and relevant General Assembly resolutions,” the statement read, adding condolences to the families and friends of the victims. “This attack comes as part of Russia’s systematic destruction of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure during the winter,” the statement further noted, pointing out that international humanitarian law explicitly prohibits attacks deliberately targeting civilian objects, as well as indiscriminate attacks. The statement also called upon the Secretary-General to remain “involved, active and constructive in finding solutions to end Russian aggression against Ukraine while respecting Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence”.