Rosemary DiCarlo described the battle as “nearly 1,500 days of death, destruction and despair” and reiterated the UN’s long-standing name for a ceasefire.
Since the battle started, 15,364 civilians have been killed, together with 775 youngsters, and greater than 42,000 others injured, although precise numbers are doubtless to be larger.
“The suffering and destruction caused by the war in Ukraine can never be justified. The longer the war exists, the deadlier it becomes, with growing risks to regional and international security,” she mentioned.
Rising loss of life toll, power sector hit
Ms. DiCarlo reported that at least 188 civilians had been killed in February, and 757 injured – a forty five per cent enhance over the identical interval final 12 months.
Attacks have continued this month, together with lethal assaults in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Donestk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, whereas studies level to an enhance in strikes focusing on railroads and different transport infrastructure.
“Over the winter, damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure brought the country’s energy grid to the brink of total collapse,” she instructed ambassadors.
Some 60 per cent of gasoline manufacturing capability has been destroyed and all energy stations are broken, in response to the authorities, which has prompted persistent disruption in electrical energy, heating and water provide throughout the nation.
In the southern metropolis of Odesa, power, industrial and port infrastructure have been broken. The newest assault took place on 19 March when drones hit residence buildings. Four folks had been reportedly injured.
Ukrainian drone assaults
Meanwhile, Russia has reported Ukrainian assaults which have impacted civilians and civilian infrastructure in its territory.
They embody the largest drone assault focusing on the capital, Moscow, so far, which occurred over the weekend from 14 to 16 March when at least 250 drones had been reportedly shot down. No civilian casualties had been reported.
“In Russian regions bordering Ukraine – Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk, as well as the southern Krasnodar region – local officials have reported civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure from alleged strikes,” she mentioned, though the UN is unable to confirm these studies.
Nuclear dangers
At the identical time, navy exercise close to Ukraine’s nuclear websites continues “with potentially devastating consequences” and latest developments additionally underscore the intense regional influence of the battle.
“Damage to the Novodnistrovsk hydroelectric plant in the south of Ukraine on 7 March led to an oil spill and widespread water pollution of the Nistru River in neighbouring Moldova,” she mentioned.
The disaster prompted “a 15-day environmental alert,” amongst different impacts. Furthermore, Moldavan airspace has repeatedly been violated by drones, in response to officers.
US diplomatic efforts welcomed
Before concluding her remarks, Ms. DiCarlo underscored {that a} full, quick and unconditional ceasefire is crucial. She welcomed diplomatic efforts led by the United States over the previous 12 months to advance peace.
“As the most significant initiative to date to help restore momentum towards a peaceful resolution, these efforts require sustained commitment and support,” she mentioned.
She burdened that “the aim must be a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions,” whereas Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity have to be upheld.
‘Sustained pattern’
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, who additionally briefed the Council, warned in opposition to the rising bloodshed and the strikes on power and different very important infrastructure.
“These attacks reflect a sustained pattern of damage to the systems on which civilians depend to survive, with humanitarian aid increasingly stepping in to fill the gaps left by the deterioration of essential services,” he mentioned.
He famous that the battle “is increasingly characterised by the use of advanced technologies” and referred to as for an investigation into the 20 March drone strike on a nationwide non-governmental group (NGO). The humanitarians had been evacuating older folks in Donetsk oblast when their clearly marked van got here below hearth, killing two girls and injuring two evacuees.
Support humanitarians
Mr. Fletcher additionally reported constructive information, together with that the UN and companions reached practically one million folks in Januaryoffering meals, money help, medical care, shelter and safety.
He ended by making three “asks” to the Council, urging members to insist that worldwide legislation have to be upheld to guard civilians and the infrastructure they depend on.
The Council should additionally guarantee fast, protected and unimpeded humanitarian entry to all civilians in want.
His third request was for better monetary help for the $2 billion humanitarian plan to help 3.6 million folks this 12 months.
“Nearly three quarters of that plan is still unfunded, so please fund the response so that we can deliver life-saving aid at the scale and the speed needed,” he mentioned.
https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/03/1167186