During a UN Security Council briefing on September 10, 2023, Monday, Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine due to intensified military actions and shifting front lines. Since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, over 11,700 civilians have been killed, and more than 10 million people have been displaced. The conflict has heavily impacted frontline areas like Donetsk and Kharkiv, while widespread attacks on critical infrastructure have led to severe shortages in electricity, water, and other essential services.
Msuya underscored the war’s disproportionate effects on women and children and noted that 2024 has seen 6.2 million individuals receive humanitarian aid, including emergency relief and relocation support. Despite these efforts, 1.5 million people in Russian-occupied regions remain unreachable, and the Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan remains less than half funded. Over 14.6 million people, or 40% of Ukraine’s population, require humanitarian assistance.
The Russian Federation’s representative countered by accusing Ukraine of targeting civilians and using schools and hospitals as military positions. He also criticized the Security Council’s handling of the situation and alleged bias against Russia. The representative emphasized the necessity of addressing alleged Ukrainian war crimes and protecting Russian sovereignty.
In response, Ukraine’s delegate condemned Russia’s actions, stressing the importance of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty. He criticized Russia’s use of missiles from North Korea and potential transfers from Iran, portraying these actions as part of a strategy to intimidate and undermine Ukraine and its allies.
China’s delegate urged all parties to engage in peace talks and called for an objective and just stance from the international community to facilitate negotiations. The US emphasized its support for Ukraine, including humanitarian aid and energy security, and condemned Iran for missile transfers to Russia.
Other delegates, including those from France, the UK, and Switzerland, called for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law. The EU’s Permanent Observer demanded a swift response to violations of the UN Charter and suggested establishing a special tribunal for Russian aggression.
The Security Council’s session also saw calls for increased support for UN humanitarian efforts, including funding for the Winter Response Plan, and emphasized the need for continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
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