Kyiv – New York: Europe and the Arabs
Despite cautious optimism about the resumption of diplomatic efforts, 2022 was one of the deadliest years for the people of Ukraine, with the civilian death toll continuing to rise as Russia escalates its air attacks, according to a senior UN official. The UN Daily News added, "The Security Council met on Tuesday to discuss the situation in Ukraine, amid rising civilian casualties and renewed attacks on energy infrastructure as winter approaches." Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has verified the deaths of 14,775 Ukrainian civilians – including 755 children – and injuries to 39,322 others, including 2,416 children. Kayoko Goto, Director for Europe and Central Asia and responsible for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, said, "These figures represent only verified casualties." The actual numbers are likely to be much higher.” She reiterated that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law and are “unacceptable and must stop.”

She said that the people of Ukraine “have not only shown remarkable resilience in enduring the devastating consequences of war, but have also demonstrated a determination to build a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for their country.”
She expressed hope that the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States would contribute to ending this war through negotiation, noting that an immediate cessation of hostilities would not only save civilian lives but also strengthen the momentum of those efforts. She urged all parties to engage constructively in and support an inclusive diplomatic process aimed at achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.

The Ukrainian people need concrete action.

Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that Ukrainians “are living under fire and in darkness” and need more than sympathy from the Security Council; they need concrete action to reduce harm and protect humanitarian operations.

She added: “Your actions that The decisions you make in the coming weeks will determine whether this winter becomes another chapter of avoidable suffering or a moment when the Council helped prevent it. She urged Council members to use their influence to ensure three things: adherence to the rules of war to protect civilians; safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to those in need; and adequate funding for humanitarian operations to meet the scale of urgent needs. Detailing the situation, she reported that intense missile and drone attacks across Ukraine continued to kill and injure civilians, destroy homes, and severely damage critical energy infrastructure during harsh winter conditions. She warned that funding gaps were increasingly limiting the response, with only 65 percent of the $278 million winter response plan funded, resulting in cuts to heating assistance, cash support, mental health services, and protection programs. With 10.8 million people projected to need assistance in 2026, Joyce Msuya said, “Even modest shortfalls leave tens of thousands without the support they need to survive.” "Alive."