Report
By Skylar Mattice
On June 22, the Security Council convened a session on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with particular focus on recent attacks on civilians, humanitarian concerns, and the destruction of cultural heritage sites. Briefers highlighted the rising civilian casualties, attacks on emergency and humanitarian personnel, as well as the continued threat against Ukraine’s cultural and historical identity. Member states largely emphasized the need for accountability, protection of civilians under international humanitarian law, and the urgency of pursuing diplomatic pathways toward peace.
Opening the discussion, Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Efforts (DPPA), expressed his concern over the recent attacks across Ukraine and their growing humanitarian consequences. He summarized reports that five civilians had been killed in Kyiv and the emergency workers had died responding to attacks in Kharkiv, located in the northeast of the country. Khiari also discussed the extensive damage done to cultural and educational sites, including the UNESCO-affiliated site, and emphasized that instability in the region will only block peace efforts. He reiterated that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) remains present at Ukrainian nuclear facilities to maintain nuclear safety and security. To conclude, he called for immediate de-escalation and reaffirmed continued UN support for Ukraine.
Following Khiari’s remarks, Eden Wosornu, Director of OCHA’s Crisis Response Division, focused on the deteriorating humanitarian environment and the increasing threats posed by evolving warfare tactics. She warned that drones are continuing to threaten civilian populations and cited reports that evacuation teams attempting to reach civilians near front lines are being targeted. Wosornu concluded with multiple appeals to the council regarding the importance of protecting civilians, using diplomatic influence to ensure compliance with international law, and the need to increase timely and flexible humanitarian funding.
Once the floor was opened for debate amongst the council members, the United States affirmed its continued support for Ukraine and emphasized Ukraine’s right to self-defense. In doing so, the U.S. condemned recent attacks that resulted in the deaths of humanitarian workers. The U.S. firmly stated that diplomatic negotiations are the only viable path toward justice. France expressed similar sentiments.
The United Kingdom strongly condemned Russian strikes that were carried out between June 14 and 15, which were the largest attacks during the war to date. U.K. accused Russia of systematically refusing to accept responsibility, while evidence continues to emerge of attacks against Ukrainian hospitals, schools, cultural sites, and forced deportations. The UK further contended that Russia bears the full responsibility for beginning and prolonging the war.
In response to the critiques by U.S., U.K. and France, the Russia Federation argued that the conflict must be understood through a historical and security lens. Russia reiterated that threats originating from Ukraine and Western involvement contributed to the conflict and went as far as accusing European states of being “participants rather than as neutral actors.” Russia further stated that the attacks taking place on 14-15 June were targeting Ukrainian military efforts, denying any intentional attacks on civilian infrastructure and violations of international humanitarian law.
Latvia strongly condemned Russia’s actions, arguing that attacks have not only served military objectives but have also targeted Ukrainian identity and culture. Latvia accused Russia of attempting to erase Ukrainian history through attacks on museums, heritage sites, libraries, printing houses, Orthodox religious sites, and broader restrictions on cultural expression. Latvia called for full accountability for war crimes as well as crimes against humanity.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Ukraine stated that the recent strikes from Russia constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. It further articulated that Ukrainian forces have never violated international humanitarian law. Ukraine further cited recent UN reports on children and armed conflict to refute that Russia’s actions have adversely impacted children and the civilian population. Ukraine concluded by reasserting that Russia must withdraw from the occupied territories before it is too late.
For further information about the crisis in Ukraine, please view the recording of our webinar entitled “Nuclear Dangers: Ukraine War, The Third Year,” featuring Richard Falk, NAPF’s Senior Vice President and Professor Emeritus of International Law at Princeton University; Professor Grigory Yavlinsky, a Russian economist and politician who ran for the Presidency of Russia three times,; Katrina vanden Heuvel, publisher of The Nation; and moderated by our board member, Cynthia Lazaroff, an expert on US-Russian relations; as well as Dr. Ivana Nikolic Hughes’ discussion on the 4th anniversary of Ukraine War.
