Thank you, Madam Chair. Once again and for the fourth year in a row, Russia is
weaponising Winter against Ukraine. Russia’s systematic targeting of Ukraine’s energy
infrastructure ahead of winter appears to follow a clear pattern aimed at undermining civil resilience.
Each month Russia sets new, and unwanted, records. In October, Russia launched its
largest coordinated strike of the war on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, firing 35 missiles
and 60 drones at Naftogaz gas facilities in Kharkiv and Poltava, causing critical damage
and disrupting operations. Russian forces also damaged a major energy facility in Zaporizhzhia, cutting power to thousands, and targeted gas transportation infrastructure in Lviv, killing four civilians.
Madam Chair, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that
“continued attacks on energy infrastructure will severely impact civilian access to
essential services this winter.”
Other independent assessments, including the REACH Cold Spots Risk Assessment,
confirm that repeated strikes on energy facilities create “critical vulnerabilities” for
households, particularly in eastern and southern Ukraine, where repair capacity is
limited.
The OSCE’s Code of Conduct reiterates the need for us all to ensure that our Armed
Forces comply with international law. And yet, the OSCE Moscow Mechanisms, ODIHR
and UN, continue to report on mounting independent evidence of Russia violating
international law, including international humanitarian law.
Destroying energy infrastructure ahead of winter, affects the most vulnerable civilians in
society, and risks individuals freezing to death in their own homes and being denied
access to essential services. The facts are stark and simple. Under international law,
deliberately targeting civilians is illegal. Under international law, Russia’s invasion is
illegal. Under international law, Ukraine has a right to defend itself. And the UK will stand
with Ukraine as it defends itself– today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes.
We once again call on Russia to cease these attacks immediately, end its illegal war and to return to full compliance with international law.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
