UN Transcripts — https://transcripts.un.org/en/sc/10140
Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine - Security Council, 10140th meeting — Security Council — 20 April 2026
Language: en
Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record.

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Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [15:28]:

Good afternoon. The 10,140th meeting of the Security Council is called to order.

The provisional agenda for this meeting is: Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine. The agenda is adopted.

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and Ukraine to participate in this meeting. It is so decided.

In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, and Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator. It is so decided.

Invitation under rule 39. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I also invite Her Excellency Ms. Hedda Samson, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, to participate in this meeting. It is so decided.

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. I now give the floor to Mr. Khaled Khiari.


UN Secretariat · Assistant Secretary-General · Khaled Khiari [17:33]:

Madam President, since we last briefed this Council on developments in Ukraine, we have seen an alarming escalation of fighting, while there was no significant diplomatic progress.

Russian attacks continue to intensify, with mounting civilian casualties and devastation across Ukraine. On 9th of April, following Ukraine's earlier proposal of an Easter ceasefire, the Russian Federation announced a 32-hour Easter truce from 11 to 12 April. Ukraine responded that it would reciprocate.

We welcome initiatives, even a limited one, that would bring respite for the civilian population. We regret, however, that this temporary pause in fighting that could have allowed a peaceful celebration of Orthodox Easter was not respected. Hostilities close to the front lines and resulting civilian casualties were reported throughout the holiday weekend. Attacks quickly escalated thereafter.

Three consecutive nights of Russian aerial strikes between 13 and 16 of April targeted multiple regions across Ukraine and resulted in dozens of civilians killed and injured. On the night from 15 to 16 April, the Russian Federation launched its deadliest attack so far this year, targeting Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions. In the city of Odesa and Dnipro, residential buildings were hit, reportedly killing at least nine and five people respectively. In total across the country, at least 20 people, including at least one child, were reportedly killed and dozens more injured by this attack.

Madam President, of greatest concern is the ever-increasing loss of civilian life resulting from continued attacks. Last month alone, at least 211 civilians were killed and 1,206 injured in Ukraine, according to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. In total since February 2022, OHCHR has verified that at least 15,578 Ukrainian civilians, including 784 children, have been killed. Another 43,352, including 2,668 children, have been injured.

In the Russian Federation, local authorities, including in the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions bordering Ukraine, have reported increasing civilian casualties. In one of the latest incidents on 16 April, a woman and a teenage girl were reportedly killed in an Ukrainian strike in Krasnodar region of the Russian Federation.

Madam President, Ukraine's critical civilian infrastructure continues to be hit. Ukraine's Danube and Black Sea ports were reportedly targeted over the past month. These ports are critical to enable the export of Ukraine agricultural products at a time of increasing concern over global food insecurity. Russian attacks on Ukraine's railway infrastructure have also continued, including today. In central Lviv, UNESCO heritage sites have once again come under fire. As of March 2026, UNESCO has verified damage to a total of 519 cultural sites since the start of the war. Civilian and energy infrastructure in the Russian Federation has also reportedly been hit during this period. Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are clearly prohibited under international humanitarian law. They must stop immediately, wherever they occur.

Madam President, we welcome the exchange of prisoners of war that brought home 175 service members and seven civilians from each side on 11 April. 163 of the returned Ukrainians had reportedly been held captive since 2022. In interviews conducted by Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights, many recently released Ukrainian prisoners reported that instances of torture had decreased or ceased in 2025 and 2026. However, all of them said that they had been subject to torture or ill-treatment during their captivity. We remind each side of their obligations under international humanitarian law in their treatment of prisoners of war. And we again urge Russian Federation to grant the United Nations unimpeded access to all detainees. The latest prisoner exchange was the 72nd since the start of the war. We commend all involved in facilitating these exchanges and urge the efforts to continue, for the sake of those held captive and their relatives.

Madam President, we urge all involved to redouble their efforts to return all deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. The United Nations is committed to supporting this critical and urgent work. As part of these efforts and the implementation of her mandate, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict has just concluded her first visit to Ukraine.

Madam President, on Sunday 26 April, we will mark 40 years since the devastating Chernobyl disaster, the most serious nuclear accident to ever occur, the impact of which is still felt today. This anniversary also serves as a warning of the scale of destruction we could witness in case of another incident, intended or unintended, while the war continues to endanger Ukraine's nuclear sites, especially the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest nuclear facility in Europe. It is imperative that all military activities near nuclear sites cease immediately. We also urge both sides to fully cooperate with the ongoing efforts by the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure safe and secure operations of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, including its access to uninterrupted power supply.

Madam President, five years in, the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to test international law, drive deepening divisions, and undermine the broader rules-based multilateral order. Beyond the immediate conflict zone, the war has heightened regional tensions and insecurity, with drones reportedly sighted this month in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to ending this war, guided by the principle and obligations set out in the United Nations Charter. Building on the efforts undertaken by the United States, it is essential that the international community maintains sustained attention and coordinated diplomatic engagement aimed at securing a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire. Such efforts must lay the foundations for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with United Nations Charter, international law, and the relevant resolution of the United Nations. We cannot afford the risk of the conflict spiraling out of control with ever higher human cost and unpredictable consequences for us all. The United Nations stands ready to support all meaningful initiatives that can help bring an end to the suffering and advance the prospects for peace. Thank you, Madam President.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [25:36]:

I thank Mr. Khiari for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Joyce Msuya.


UN Secretariat · Assistant Secretary-General · Joyce Msuya [25:44]:

Madam President, Excellencies, building on the political and security developments outlined by my colleague Assistant Secretary-General Khiari, let me highlight the humanitarian realities we are seeing across Ukraine. Since we last briefed this Council one month ago, attacks have intensified and civilians continue to bear the brunt. Missile, drone, and artillery strikes have hit residential areas, public transport, energy systems, and port infrastructure. Hostilities over the weekend caused civilian casualties and damage to homes and other civilian infrastructure on both sides of the front line.

A massive wave of overnight strikes last week affecting Dnipro, Kyiv, and Odesa killed over 21 civilians and injured over 140 people. The week before, a strike hitting a public bus in Nikopol in broad daylight killed four people and injured 16 more. Homes damaged once are hit again. Schools and essential services remain under immense strain. Damage to energy infrastructure has created a systemic shock, disrupting electricity, water, heating, and essential services on which millions depend. Power outages on both sides of the front line are compounding hardship for already vulnerable communities. Hostilities are increasingly affecting urban residential areas. The geographic spread of strikes is widening. Damage to key access routes is further constraining civilian movement and limiting the reach of humanitarians.

Madam President, continued damage to energy infrastructure is expected to have far-reaching humanitarian consequences through the summer months and into the next winter season. International humanitarian law is clear: civilians and the civilian and infrastructure essential to their well-being must be protected. Medical facilities, energy systems, and water services on which civilians depend must be spared. Attacks that disrupt these systems deepen humanitarian needs and prolong human suffering. Humanitarian partners are supporting urgent repairs to energy networks, housing, health services, and water systems, while preparing for summer pressures and the next and fifth winter since the 2022 escalation of this war.

Madam President, humanitarian needs remain vast, even as diplomatic efforts continue. Despite ongoing hostilities, we and our partners continue to support communities close to the front line wherever access allows. Mobile teams continue to provide healthcare, mental health, and psychosocial support and other essential services. Just last week, an inter-agency convoy facilitated by OCHA delivered essential hygiene supplies to more than 600 people, including children and older persons, in a front-line community in Mykolaiv Oblast exposed to constant shelling. Another inter-agency convoy reached Kherson. Humanitarian partners also continue to help evacuate people from front-line communities. In recent days, hundreds of civilians, including many children, have been assisted to reach safer locations and supported through transit centers. However, our access remains constrained in some areas due to the intensity of hostilities, and many vulnerable civilians still remain in areas close to the front line.

Madam President, the growing use of armed drones is creating a daily dilemma for humanitarian actors: how to remain present where needs are greatest while keeping their staff safe. Field teams regularly report drone strikes affecting their operations. Humanitarians must be protected and their work facilitated so they can provide relief to civilians in need, wherever they are located, in accordance with humanitarian principles. As we have repeatedly underscored before this Council, respect for the rules of war and the protection of civilians is not optional. It is a legal obligation.

Madam President, the Global Humanitarian Overview launched last December is a snapshot in time. In Ukraine, however, needs continue to evolve and increase. Humanitarian partners are prioritizing those facing the greatest risk, but needs continue to outpace resources. Of the 10.8 million people requiring humanitarian assistance this year, millions remain beyond our reach. Nearly three-quarters of the 2.3 billion US dollars needed to assist the targeted 4.1 million people, nearly one in every eight Ukrainians, remain unfunded. That's almost 1.7 billion dollars still to be funded. The regional refugee response also requires substantial funding.

The paucity of funding has direct consequences for people's lives. It determines whether communities can access essential services, whether displaced families can access shelter support, whether people living close to the front line can receive life-saving assistance before conditions deteriorate further. Without early and sustained financial contributions, humanitarians are forced to scale back assistance precisely when needs are surging. Timely funding reduces vulnerability. Delayed funding increases it.

Madam President, my three asks are not new, but they remain urgent. First, use your influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and accountability when it is violated. As the Inter-Agency Standing Committee underscored last week in a joint statement on ending impunity, even wars have rules. Civilians, including humanitarian personnel and the critical infrastructure on which civilians depend, must be protected. Second, and connected to the first, ensure safe, rapid, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access to civilians in need across all areas of Ukraine, including those living in areas currently under the control of the Russian Federation. We must be able to reach all civilians, including and especially in areas close to the front line in need. Third, provide timely funding. Delays reduce what can be delivered and prolong hardship for civilians. For millions of people across Ukraine, the impact of the war is very real and constant. Protection, access, and timely financial contributions are a lifeline for the most affected people as efforts toward a just and lasting peace continue. Thank you, Madam President.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:04:47]:

I thank Ms. Msuya for her briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements.

I give the floor to the representative of Latvia.


Latvia [1:05:01]:

Thank you, Madam President. I thank ASG Khiari and ASG Msuya for their briefings.

Madam President, over the past month, Russia has launched some of the most vicious attacks of its barbaric war of aggression against Ukraine. During Orthodox Easter, Ukrainian civilians had only 32 hours free from terror. One night without Russia's long-range drones, missiles, and guided bombs. Predictably, yet regrettably, since then, the Russian leadership has escalated its barbaric brutality.

Just nine hours after our last Security Council meeting on Ukraine on 23rd of March was over, Russia launched the largest drone attack ever recorded in the history of modern warfare. In 24 hours, 948 drones struck Ukrainian cities. As verified by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, this attack killed at least six people and injured almost 100. The strikes also hit a maternity hospital and damaged a 16th-century monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

March marked yet another record month of civilian casualties, most occurring in Ukrainian cities and towns far away from the front line. And deplorably, on 16 April alone, Russia once again launched over 700 drones and missiles against Ukrainian cities, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 100 in its deadliest attack this year.

Since February 2022, Russia has launched a staggering number of aerial attacks against Ukraine: at least 94,344 long-range strike drones and missiles. As verified by World Health Organization, Russia has conducted at least 2,881 attacks affecting healthcare facilities, ambulances, and medical warehouses in Ukraine.

Madam President, Russia, a permanent member of this Council with a special responsibility to uphold the UN Charter, continues to wage an unprovoked and illegal war against Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure. Russia is deliberately causing global security and economic crisis, plus enabling and assisting Iranian attacks against our GCC partners. Meanwhile, Ukraine is actively helping the Gulf countries defend themselves against attacks by Iran, the same kind of attacks Ukrainians know so well. The Kremlin can try to hide the truth about the real costs and losses of this war from the Russian people by imposing internet blackouts, banning digital platforms, and repressing independent media. But Russia cannot hide the truth from the world. The world knows the imperial motives and the brutal reality of Russia's war. This is shown by the widespread support for Ukraine's General Assembly resolution on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Madam President, let Russia and its allies remember: accountability for all atrocities is not optional. It doesn't have an expiration date. And Latvia is committed to being one of the founding members of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. 20 countries in total have already committed to joining the Special Tribunal, and we urge all countries to defend the fundamental principles of international law and demand accountability.

Russia continues to deny access to the United Nations and independent monitors to the occupied territories in Ukraine and to Russia itself. The available verified reporting documents the grave and systematic crimes committed against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war. These weeks, the whole UN celebrates the indigenous peoples. And I would like to draw attention to the Crimean Tatars, the indigenous peoples of the occupied Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine. This Muslim community already faced mass deportations by the Soviet regime. Thousands of them returned to a free Ukraine and a free Crimea. But this all changed in 2014. They are facing ethnic, political, and religious persecution and currently make up the majority of the political prisoners in Crimea.

To conclude, Madam President, Russia's war is an imperial war. It is a war against the Ukrainian nation and its freedom. It is aimed at destroying the Ukrainian state, culture, history, and language. Russia can end this war and the civilian suffering immediately. If Ukraine stopped defending itself, it would be the end of Ukraine. This is why Latvia firmly stands with Ukraine, its sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. Latvia supports all peace efforts, especially under the leadership of the United States and European countries, to bring a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. An immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire is the first step, and we call on all countries to exert maximum pressure on Russia so it meaningfully engages in the peace process. And thank you.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:10:48]:

I thank the representative of Latvia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark.


Denmark [1:10:56]:

Thank you, Madam President. And let me thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their briefings. I also welcome the participation of the permanent representative of Ukraine to this meeting. And I wish to express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims in the horrible shooting in Kyiv this past weekend.

Madam President, our briefers' sobering accounts remind us that while the eyes of the world may be on the Middle East, the longest war on European soil since the World War II continues, away from the headlines, but no less devastating for Ukraine's civilians. This past month has marked some grim milestones: 1,500 days since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and four years since unveiling the horrors of Russia's brutal massacre in Bucha, which Denmark joined its EU partners in Bucha to commemorate on 31st March.

In the past weeks, we witnessed, however, a faint and sadly fleeting glimmer of hope. Following repeated calls by Ukraine, Russia announced a 32-hour Easter ceasefire. There was an exchange of prisoners, and the Ukrainian authorities declared that its forces would only respond if there were Russian strikes. That hope, however, was instantly undermined as the Ukrainian authorities reported thousands of ceasefire violations throughout the 32-hour period. This tells us, once again, that the international community should not be persuaded by empty declarations. We should only be persuaded by actions, and these actions tell a different and desperate story, one of deflection rather than any meaningful step towards peace.

Madam President, this cynicism by the Kremlin that we witnessed with the so-called Easter ceasefire is not new. For over a year, Kyiv has been offering an immediate, unconditional, and comprehensive ceasefire, but now it's clear that this is the essential first step towards a just and lasting peace. Russia, on the other hand, has time and time again chosen escalation over good-faith engagement. Over the last month, Russian strikes continued to rain down over Ukraine's cities and along the front line. The UN reports that civilian casualties increased by 49% from February to March alone. The mass drone and missile attacks last week killed at least 20 civilians and injured up to 100, revealing a new and increasingly deadly Russian tactics: drones with jet engines and daytime attacks immediately following nighttime attacks, making the strikes on heavily populated areas even more deadly.

Madam President, Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians have been a feature of the full-scale invasion since the earliest days. Justice will come for the victims across Ukraine: those who died in mass killings, those who endured torture, sexual violence, and forced deportations. And it will come for the survivors who carry physical and mental scars every day. We will not forget them, and we will not abandon them. There must be accountability for the international crimes committed by Russia in this brutal campaign to destroy an independent Ukraine. Denmark fully supports the efforts by the International Criminal Court and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, as well as the work to create a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and an International Claims Commission for Ukraine.

Madam President, in closing, around this table, we need to be clear in calling this a war of choice. We call again on President Putin to finally end the war that he started. We do so, however, fully aware that so far there are no signs of his willingness to choose peace. We therefore also call on the international community to increase pressure to finally end the killing and destruction, to support a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. Anything less would be a failure of our responsibility. I thank you.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:15:18]:

I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of France.


France [1:15:26]:

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I first and foremost wish to thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Peacebuilding Affairs, Mr. Khiari, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Joyce Msuya, for their illuminating briefings. They serve as a reminder, yet another reminder, of the fact that as the ceasefire in the Middle East and in Lebanon have facilitated construction of peace and have been doing so, the Russian Federation, which has been for more than four years waging a war of aggression, has rejected the immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional ceasefire that the international community has demanded. Far from being a step towards a just and lasting peace, the ephemeral Easter truce, which was not respected along the front lines, gave way to sustained Russian strikes targeting all of Ukrainian soil. Last Wednesday night, nearly 650 drones and 44 Russian missiles struck the country, killing more than 20 people, wounding more than 100 people.

The Ukrainian president nevertheless proposed pursuit of the ceasefire beyond the Orthodox Easter holiday, and yet once again, as is always the case, the Russian Federation obstinately sought to continue to sustain its war of aggression and to continue to wage it. Instead of facilitating de-escalation, Russia called for civilian infrastructure not to be targeted at the General Assembly on 16 April during its explanation of the veto. And yet when it comes to civilian infrastructure, Ukraine proposed a moratorium to Russia regarding attacks targeting civilian infrastructure. We see the Russian response to this proposal on the ground. International humanitarian law and the principles thereof, particularly those of distinction, precaution, and proportionality, must be applied under all circumstances.

Instead of engaging in efforts towards a de-escalation, Russia continues its maneuvers of seeking to reverse responsibility, and it voices concern about the enhancement of European defense efforts. On the 15th of April last, the Russian Foreign Minister cautioned against what he called, and I quote, "the danger of militarization of the European Union." On that same day, the Russian Defense Minister sought to intimidate the Europeans by threatening their industrial operations and defense technologies. All parties are aware of the realities of efforts and the efforts of each party related to defense. This rhetoric has neither curtailed our staunch support for Ukraine's legitimate resistance, which I applaud, nor has it diminished our determination to contribute to strategic European autonomy. We will continue to deliver assistance to Ukraine both bilaterally and through the European framework, which remains more unified than ever before.

Paths towards peace exist, and it is incumbent upon the membership of the Security Council to help those who seek to embark upon them to do so. When it comes to the ceasefire, we have learned, we call upon Russia to join, to join the broad international consensus which brings together the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the overwhelming majority of member states from all continents to finally apply an immediate, full, unconditional ceasefire. The resolution adopted in '24 last by the General Assembly by a broad majority calls for this categorically, and it is incumbent upon all members of the Security Council to pool efforts and to join them with those of the Secretary-General as for negotiations under the aegis of the United Nations, which we will continue to support in principle. It is time for the Russian Federation to engage, not through gesticulations or false steps, but through tangible commitment. France intends to contribute to constructing peace in Europe through dialogue in good faith alongside partners within the coalition of the willing and seeking in order in guaranteeing peace. We will continue to work assiduously to that end. Thank you.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:19:50]:

I thank the representative of France for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Greece.


Greece [1:19:58]:

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to start by thanking Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their comprehensive and insightful remarks. I also welcome the presence of Ukraine in this meeting.

Madam President, Greece, along with the overwhelming majority of the UN membership, has repeatedly called on Russia to put an end to its war of aggression against Ukraine, in full respect of international law, including the UN Charter, international humanitarian and human rights law. It is regrettable that these calls have been ignored by Russia. Official UN numbers have once more dimmed our hope for peace. As we have just heard by our briefers, casualties in Ukraine keep increasing. March was the deadliest month for civilians since last July, and casualties in the first quarter rose by 20% compared with last year, which had already registered more casualties than in the year before. And once more, casualties among children number in the dozens.

March also marked a record high in the use of aerial weapons against Ukraine, which constitutes the primary cause of civilian casualties. Even worse, the outlook for this month is also bleak, with dozens of civilians dead and hundreds injured. Time and time again, we have condemned in the strongest terms the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian and critical infrastructure as a serious violation of international humanitarian law. We reiterate the same point today. Thousands of Ukrainians have left their homes also this year, as their lives are upended by war.

International humanitarian law dictates that all parties to conflicts must take every possible measure to spare civilians from harm and to protect them as they go about their daily lives. We also call on Russia to end violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law regarding forcible transfers and deportation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, as verified in the latest OHCHR report. On the issue of the deportation and unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children, we welcome the recent visit of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict to Kyiv, and we call on Russia to ensure the safe and unconditional return to Ukraine pursuant to the General Assembly resolution adopted last December.

Madam President, peace in Ukraine is long overdue. Greece supports all diplomatic efforts to achieve peace. We also welcome the US-facilitated direct peace talks, which have yet to resume since February. Signs of bilateral engagement, direct or indirect, with regard to the latest exchange of prisoners of war on April 11, are of course very welcome, but not sufficient. We call for the next steps of this engagement, starting with a full ceasefire as a necessary first step towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. A peace that will be firmly based on international law and the UN Charter and in full respect of Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its international recognized borders, rejecting any change of borders as a result of the use of force.

Lastly, Madam President, we emphasize that no peace agreement can be viable without the full consent of Ukraine and the direct involvement of Europe, and without credible and enforceable security guarantees to prevent the recurrence of war. I thank you.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:24:12]:

I thank the representative of Greece for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Liberia.


Liberia [1:24:24]:

Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. I will be brief, intentionally so. After years of meetings, length is no longer our problem. Clarity is. The lack of a resolution is. Talking at one another has reached its limits. Reasoning with one another has not. I thank my colleagues who joined in requesting this briefing. I'd also thank Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, as well as Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, for their briefings. I welcome the distinguished permanent representative of Ukraine to the chambers.

Madam President, more than four years into this war, we continue to meet with familiarity. Yet the facts before us grow heavier, not fewer. As we just heard, the fighting persists. The human suffering worsens. Claims of military progress multiply. Civilian loss accumulates. If momentum is asserted by all and protection is delivered by none, then repetition has become the order of the day to replace purpose. Critical infrastructure is not merely damaged, it is repeatedly disabled. Energy systems are struck. Water systems are rendered unreliable. Cities are left in mourning. This cannot be understood as incidental harm.

Children, children are bearing the deepest cost, not only through death or injury, but through time itself. Schooling interrupted. Care interrupted. And lives shaped by instability rather than by choice.

Recent declarations of restraint have offered no relief on the ground. What has been presented as pause has coincided with continued strikes. What has been described as openness to peace has produced no corresponding protection for civilians. These contradictions matter, not rhetorically, but legally and institutionally. International humanitarian law does not permit deliberate or indiscriminate attacks on civilians. This Council cannot preserve credibility by acknowledging war and human suffering while treating its continuation as inevitable. Liberia draws from hard experience: when peace is delayed, restraint becomes more, not less, urgent. When resolution is blocked, harm must still be constrained. Because territory asserted through ruins proves nothing. Strength demonstrated through suffering proves nothing. And endurance mistaken for strategy proves nothing at all.

Madam President, if this Council cannot bring the war to an end, it must still insist that its human cost, which the briefers have reminded us about today, is neither acceptable nor unchangeable. To do otherwise is not neutrality. It is withdrawal from responsibility. That is a line that this Council should not cross. I thank you for your kind attention.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:28:58]:

I thank the representative of Liberia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:29:10]:

Thank you, President. I thank ASG Khiari and ASG Msuya for their briefings. And I welcome the participation of the permanent representative of Ukraine at our meeting today.

President, the Council meets today because Russia continues to violate the Charter it is bound to uphold. Russia's invasion of Ukraine was not forced. It was and continues to be a deliberate act of aggression intended to erase another state's identity.

In recent weeks, Russia has continued to subject Ukrainian cities to drone and missile strikes in civilian areas. Last Wednesday night, 17 civilians were killed and at least 98 more injured in an attack involving 659 drones and 44 missiles. Despite talk of an Easter ceasefire, so far this month, Russia has launched more than 200 drones a day on average, exceeding even March's record levels.

A full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire is essential. That is what the Secretary-General has called for, and that is what the General Assembly called for just a few weeks ago.

Russia has been aided in its war on Ukraine by its military partnership with Iran. This is an operational relationship that results in weapons and weapons technology spreading their lethal consequences across regions, from Ukraine to the Middle East, in direct defiance of the UN Charter and this Council's resolutions.

The result of this war will have consequences not only for Europe, but for the rest of the world. If Russia succeeds in showing the world that borders can be changed by force in Ukraine, it sets a very dangerous example.

So what we say in this chamber matters. In Ukraine, Russia is the aggressor. Russia is the one that must show restraint, that must de-escalate, that must engage in meaningful dialogue. How we engage as a Council will shape not only the outcome in Ukraine, but the rules that govern our collective security. And I thank you.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:31:54]:

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.


Colombia [1:22:07]:

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you for convening this session. I would like to thank the Assistant Secretary-General of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations of the United Nations, as well as the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator of the United Nations for their reports, and I would like to greet the delegations that have joined us for today's session.

The situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate and has a devastating impact on the civilian population in a context characterized by grave violations to international humanitarian law. Last week's attacks, where 21 civilians were murdered, including a child, also affected schools, residential buildings, and civilian infrastructure in cities such as Odesa, Kherson, Dnipro, and Kyiv. They are clear examples of these violations.

We would like to express our most sincere condolences to the victims and their families. This pattern is persistent and is reflected in the dramatic rise of civilian victims throughout the month of March, almost double the amount of victims registered in February. It is also a source of deep concern the fact that we are evolving towards a war of attrition, which is increasingly dominated by the use of drones and low-cost technology that contributes to prolonging and intensifying human suffering.

Since the beginning of the war, Colombia has condemned in the strongest terms attacks against civilians and civilian objects. This includes hospitals, ambulances, healthcare staff, dwellings, schools, and basic infrastructure. This is all strictly prohibited by IHL. Today, we are compelled to once again remind all the parties their obligation to respect and protect the civilian population as well as civilian objects that are indispensable for their survival. We demand that these actions cease immediately.

Madam President, Colombia has taken note of the Easter ceasefire agreed last weekend. The truce represents an opportunity to advance toward peace. In this respect, Colombia welcomes the recent exchange of 175 prisoners of war and civilians, which was facilitated by the mediation efforts of the United Arab Emirates. This achievement, which is significant and deeply human, shows that even in the midst of confrontation, it is possible to make progress through tangible gestures of trust.

We underline the importance of these humanitarian actions as useful measures to rebuild trust and strengthen existing pathways for dialogue. Nevertheless, we regret that the ceasefire was limited in time as well as reports of violations on both sides through attacks, bombardments, and drone strikes. This highlights the urgency of deepening efforts to achieve a political solution that addresses mutual concerns and leads to a peace agreement directly negotiated by the parties, which is acceptable to both of them.

Madam President, Colombia once again reiterates our deep concern over the prolonged conflict and its consequences. From the very beginning, we have called for an immediate and complete ceasefire, and today we reiterate that call firmly. We urge all parties to return to the path of diplomacy, to broaden mediation efforts, and to prioritize the protection of the civilian population. Peace will not come immediately, but we do believe that it is possible to steadily advance toward the end of hostilities and a lasting political solution. I thank you.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:27:04]:

I thank the representative of Colombia for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia.


Somalia [1:27:14]:

Thank you, Madam President. I thank ASG Khaled Khiari and ASG Joyce Msuya for their comprehensive briefing. As we convene today, my delegation remains profoundly concerned by the continued deterioration of both security and humanitarian conditions in Ukraine. The continued hostilities serve only to prolong human suffering and further diminish prospects for sustainable peace. We are concerned by the continuous escalation of military action affecting civilian and civilian infrastructure. The protection of civilians, particularly the most vulnerable, and the preservation of schools, hospitals, and homes are enshrined obligations in international humanitarian law.

My delegation reiterates that all parties must prioritize de-escalation, exercise utmost restraint, and uphold these principles without exception. Madam President, in this spirit, we welcome the continued exchange of prisoners of war, including the recent repatriation of 175 individuals. Such humanitarian milestones serve as essential confidence-building measures and remind us that amidst a deep division, cooperation remains possible. We remain convinced that there is no military solution to this conflict. Dialogue and diplomacy remain the sole viable means to bring this crisis to an end.

In this regard, we note the ongoing international diplomatic initiatives, including those led by the United States. These engagements represent vital steps toward de-escalation, and we hope they will lay the ground for constructive and durable path forward. Madam President, a durable and just resolution must address the underlying root causes of the conflict and be consistent with the purpose and principles of the United Nations Charter. Lasting peace will require compromise, confidence-building measures, and a shared vision of common and sustainable security. In closing, Madam President, my delegation reaffirms its unwavering support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a resolution that restores peace, security, and stability. The people of Ukraine and all those affected by this conflict deserve a future defined by prosperity and dignity. I thank you.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:29:34]:

I thank the representative of Somalia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United States.


United States of America [1:29:42]:

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Assistant Secretary-General Khiari, sir, for your briefing, and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for your briefing. And a special welcome to our friends Ukraine as they join us in the Council today. From the day he returned to office, President Trump made it clear that he is determined to end the Russia-Ukraine war, as it has only brought death and destruction. The United States continues to push for a negotiated and durable end to the war to stop the bloodshed. This commitment remains a hallmark of President Trump's determination to end the monstrosity of this continued carnage.

We saw negotiations produce concrete results less than two weeks ago, when Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 175 prisoners and additional civilians. The United States supports these and earlier exchanges as one step toward durable peace. As a further step, the United States calls on Russia to return all Ukrainian children it has unlawfully deported to Russia, as well as those it has forcibly transferred within occupied Ukrainian territory.

In support of this effort, which is a significant concern for First Lady Melania Trump and is centered in her advocacy, the US will fund a 25 million dollar assistance program to aid the return of these Ukrainian children forcibly transferred or deported to Russia or Russian-controlled territories. Our dedication to the safe return of those children remains unwavering. The United States continues to reinforce the need for global support for President Trump's efforts to advance durable peace. The United States remains committed to shared prosperity, including through our commitment to the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which represents the United States' economic stake in securing a free, peaceful, and sovereign future for Ukraine.

We call on all UN member states to play a constructive role in bringing this war to an end, including by ending support that enables Russia's prosecution of this war and encouraging both sides toward negotiated settlement. Specifically, we urge China to immediately stop supplying Russia the dual-use goods and material components that enable its war effort. The DPRK must also stop providing munitions, including ballistic missiles, to Russia for use against Ukraine, which violates UN Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874 that Russia itself voted for. Iran provides yet another example, as it has supplied Russia with hundreds of attack UAVs and UAV technology for use in Ukraine, including transfers before October 2023 in violation of UN Security Council resolution 2231. And in September of 2024, Iran began delivering hundreds of close-range ballistic missiles to Russia. Nor should the Council forget that Russia has supplied Iran with critical military equipment over the past year, delivering combat aircraft, helicopters, armored vehicles, and other arms, some of which violate UN Security Council resolution 1929. Russia's military support to Iran endangers the security of the Gulf Cooperation countries. We call on Russia to abide by the resolutions of this Council as a permanent member and encourage both Russia and Ukraine to negotiate a durable end to the war. Thank you, Madam President.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:33:58]:

I thank the representative of the United States for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Panama.


Panama [1:34:07]:

Thank you very much, President. We would like to thank Khaled Khiari, the Assistant Secretary-General, and Madame Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, for the valuable information they have provided on the situation on the ground. We would also like to recognize the participation of the distinguished delegations that have joined us today in the room. Panama expresses its deep frustration due to the lack of real progress toward the end of this conflict. It is increasingly difficult to justify to those suffering from this war that the international community continues to meet to describe a tragedy that has lasted for four years already. Session after session, we analyze numbers that reflect a rise in the number of deaths, we listen to reports, and we reiterate our positions while the violence continues, deepens, and the civilian population continues to pay the highest price in this war. Normalizing suffering is in and of itself unacceptable.

The urgency of a ceasefire should be assumed as an immediate, sustained, and verifiable commitment. Today, the battlefield does not distinguish between military and civilian objectives. The growing use of missiles, long and short-range drones, and massive strikes against urban areas shows a dangerous normalization of attacks against civilian infrastructure. Recent numbers are clear: since February 2022, over 15,000 civilians have lost their lives and over 43,000 have been injured. In just the first few months of 2026, the violence has increased 20% with respect to the previous year. Panama reiterates its condemnation of all violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. Any attack against the civilian population or humanitarian staff is a grave affront to the most basic principles of humanity. This is a reality that, unfortunately, now knows no borders.

On the other hand, we would like to underline that protecting children should be preserved as a cross-cutting priority in all armed conflicts. Boys and girls are always the most vulnerable victims of war. They suffer from forced displacement, an interruption in their education, family separations, impacts on their physical and mental health, and grave risks of violence, exploitation, and recruitment. Integrating the protection of children in our diplomatic, humanitarian, and political efforts for peace is not merely a legal obligation, but an indispensable investment for the future stability of societies affected by this conflict. No peace process can be considered sustainable if children are not at the center of its priorities.

President, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that this conflict does not become an indefinite exercise in attrition where inertia substitutes political will, real political will, and where human suffering is subordinate to geopolitical calculus. Panama reiterates its unequivocal call: the time has come for to go from words to action, and it is necessary to move forward in a constant dialogue based on the respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states. Thank you.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:38:07]:

I thank the representative of Panama for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.


Pakistan [1:38:16]:

Thank you, Madam President. I thank ASG Khaled Khiari and ASG Joyce Msuya for their briefings. The conflict in Ukraine, now into its fifth year, remains a source of consternation for the international community. We remain deeply perturbed by the continuation of hostilities, adding to the misery of those affected by this conflict and further worsening the already dire humanitarian situation. As we have repeatedly said, such actions not only perpetuate the conflict but also undermine trust and the ongoing efforts for peace. Protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure is a fundamental obligation and the foundation of the principles of international humanitarian law, which must be upheld fully by all parties. We take positive note of the announcement of an Easter ceasefire by both Russia and Ukraine. We also commend the two sides for the recent exchange of prisoners of war, duly facilitated by the UAE. We view these steps as enablers to create conditions necessary for achieving lasting peace. We encourage both sides to continue to build on this momentum to advance the cause of peace.

President, from the outset, Pakistan's position on the Ukraine conflict has been anchored in an unwavering conviction: the supremacy of dialogue as the only viable path for lasting peace. Now, more than ever before, the overwhelming global opinion is on the side of ending this conflict through peaceful means. This can only be achieved through a sustained, meaningful, and structured dialogue. We remain hopeful that the current pause in the dialogue process between Russia and Ukraine is momentary and will resume at an early date. We are also confident that both sides would make full use of the diplomacy, demonstrate genuine political will, and engage meaningfully and constructively to make strides for a just and lasting settlement of this conflict. That is mutually acceptable to all sides, corresponds to the legitimate security interests of the parties, is in line with the UN Charter, international law, and the relevant multilateral agreements. Toward this end, Pakistan stands ready to support all efforts aimed at resolving this issue peacefully in a comprehensive and durable manner. I thank you.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:40:56]:

I thank the representative of Pakistan for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.


Democratic Republic of the Congo [1:41:07]:

Madam President, the DRC welcomes the convening of these, this emergency meeting dedicated to the situation in Ukraine. My delegation would like to thank the Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Khaled Khiari, and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their statement. Over 1,500 days have gone by without a sustainable solution for the war in Ukraine. Like other member states of the Security Council, and specifically the A3, the DRC continues to be deeply concerned due to the hostilities and the constant worsening of their human and material consequences. Beyond the immediate consequences, this conflict continues to have concerning effects well beyond its theater. It feeds into transnational dynamics of violence that affect the African continent as well.

Madam President, we observed encouraging signals in mid-February when we saw a possible renewal of diplomatic efforts. However, we see that this light of hope has been tamped down due to the intensification of combat. The information referred to the Council is unequivocal: we see that the perspectives for de-escalation are farther and farther away from us due to the multiplication of strikes and the rise in the number of civilian victims. Madam President, given this reality, it is imperative to recall that these hostilities imply responsibilities for all the parties. Each attack, each counter-attack, each additional escalation contributes to a human toll that is already tragic and anchors this conflict in a logic of destruction that every day makes the return to a peaceful coexistence between two nations that are sisters something that is even farther away. Human lives are destroyed every day, families disappear, cities are emptied out. Fear and precariousness have today become the common denominator for an entire generation for each, for each day of additional war pushes away any perspective for a sustainable peace.

Madam President, choosing de-escalation and a solution for this crisis cannot be delayed. The DRC reiterates its position: there is no military solution to this conflict, only a diplomatic and political exit based on dialogue, good faith, and the respect for international law, as well as international humanitarian law and the principles of the UN Charter will allow for a sustainable end to this crisis. In this sense, we call for an effective ceasefire and the strict compliance with all commitments therein. Repeated violations of initiatives to cease the hostilities that have been recently noted compromise the perspective of being able to find a peaceful solution for the conflict and underline the urgency of re-establishing trust between the parties. President, protecting civilians should continue to be an absolute priority. It is necessary to spare the civilian populations as well as essential infrastructure, especially energy infrastructure. Their destruction directly affects the living conditions and compromises access to basic services. We also recall the need to ensure humanitarian access that is rapid, safe, and unrestricted for all people in need. To conclude, President, the DRC urges all parties to exercise more restraint and to turn toward diplomacy, which continues to be the best way to install a just and incredible peace that will benefit affected populations. I thank you.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:45:01]:

I thank the representative of Democratic Republic of the Congo. I give the floor to the representative of China.


China [1:45:13]:

President, I thank ASG Khiari and ASG Msuya for the briefings. The current international situations is undergoing profound turbulence. Regional conflicts and localized wars are occurring one after another, while the calls from the international community for peace and development are growing ever stronger. The Ukraine crisis remains protracted and difficult to resolve, and its trajectory bears on the peace and stability in Europe and the world at large. An early ceasefire and a political resolution to the crisis are the shared aspiration of the international community. In light of the recent developments and the briefing just given, I will make three points.

First, we must work to de-escalate the situation as soon as possible. A few days ago, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire during the Orthodox Easter holiday, taking an important step towards peace together. Regrettably, during the ceasefire, both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire and subsequently resumed large-scale military attacks against each other. The path to peace remains fraught with obstacles. China hopes that the parties to the conflict will prioritize peace, exercise the utmost calm and restraint, work to de-escalate the situation ASAP with a view to achieve ceasefire and end the war at the earliest opportunity.

Second, we must resolutely uphold the humanitarian bottom line. Recently, Russia and Ukraine carried out a new round of exchange of prisoners of war and remains of fallen soldiers, reflecting the humanitarian considerations and helping to build mutual trust. At the same time, both sides have launched attacks affecting civilian and civilian infrastructure, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. China expresses deep concern over this and calls on the parties to the conflict to put people first, strictly observe international humanitarian law, and adhere to the principle of necessity, distinction, and proportionality, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and alleviate sufferings of civilians.

Third, efforts must be made to advance peace talks. The door to dialogue on the Ukraine issue has already been opened, although the momentum of negotiations has slowed somewhat at present, and there are significant differences in the positions of the various parties. As long as we persist in talks, we will see the dawn of peace. China hopes that all relevant parties will participate in the peace process, maintain engagement and dialogue, steadily build consensus, and on the basis of fully observing the purposes and principles of UN Charter, address the root causes of the crisis, take into account the legitimate security concerns of all parties, and reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement.

President, China's position on the Ukraine issue has already has always been consistent, and it's guided by the four shoulds proposed by President Xi Jinping. We will continue to uphold the objective and impartial stance, remain committed to the promoting peace talks, maintain communication with all relevant parties, and play a constructive role in advancing a political resolution of the crisis.

President, just now the US representative once again repeated its own same old rhetorics and disseminating disinformation. This is totally unacceptable. I wish to reiterate that China is neither the creator of the crisis nor a party to it. In the face of the crisis, China has not stood idly by; we have not fanned the flames or sought to profit from the situation. Instead, China has consistently worked to promote a ceasefire, to end the conflict, and facilitate peace talks. China's objective and impartial position as well as its constructive role has been widely recognized by the international community. Justice will prevail. I also wish to point out any issue of the Ukraine issue trying to shift the blame to China, trying to smear China, is not going to work, is not going to succeed in its attempt. As a matter of fact, since the outbreaks of the crisis, it is the United States, not China, that has long supplied weapons to the battlefield and attempted to prolong the conflict. We once again urge the United States to stop shifting the blame and to contribute more to ceasefire and to promote peace talks. Thank you, President.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:49:52]:

I thank the representative of China for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.


Russian Federation · Vasily Nebenzya [1:50:03]:

Mr. President, today's meeting is yet another case of déjà vu. The performance of this cheap, second-rate spectacle is being carried out at the Security Council by the Ukrainian and European delegations on a monthly basis. And the reasons are very clear to us: first and foremost, they cannot allow for the international community's attention to be shifted to other crises, and second, the need to conceal the panic prevailing within their own ranks. And buoying their own spirits is not unwelcome either. Zelenskyy is perfectly aware of the fact that the definitive sidelining of the Ukrainian file in international politics owing to escalation in the Middle East is significantly reducing the profits reaped from his tours around European states. Apparently he thought that he would be able to endlessly and effortlessly solicit cash from his Western sponsors, intimidating them with the idea that the UAF is the only barrier to Russia's march on Europe.

Having understood that the US-Israeli aggression against Iran and the grave ramifications of this crisis have reshuffled his card deck, Zelenskyy did not lose his bearings, and he redoubled his zealous attempts to promote Ukrainian Armed Forces' battlefield experience. He did not shy away from crediting himself with imaginary achievements in security for Persian Gulf states. In his words, I quote, "Their protection required urgent expertise, urgent response. We provided for this. The Ukrainian expertise worked. Everybody has recognized that, and the same is needed in Europe. Our diplomats have the corresponding requests from Asian countries, and I instructed that this be acted upon promptly. Ukrainian military personnel are participating in consultations about how the Strait of Hormuz will continue to operate." End of quote. In this alternative, this alternate reality, in case you were unaware, the Kyiv regime is unilaterally, has single-handedly unblocked the Strait of Hormuz, exporting security throughout the world and practically has won victory over the Russian Federation. This is nothing more than the fruit of the fantasy of the thieving head of the Ukrainian regime, which he is trying to sell to anybody who's willing to pay. First and foremost to the current European leaders who are terminally afflicted by Russophobia, unable to adopt decisive, responsible decisions, if we can even call these people leaders, and who continue to froth at the mouth as they vociferate about their resolve to continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary. However, the situation in Ukraine is dire.

Ordinary Ukrainian people are refusing to fight for the blatantly corrupt leadership of the country. They are dodging the draft, they are deserting, and they are clearly rebuffing the military consignment efforts. The people rounding up people at recruitment centers and their radical Nazi affiliates who essentially are abducting people in order to offset the mounting losses incurred by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The hunt targeting Ukrainian men is being taking place in broad daylight. They are being dragged from their apartments, from their homes, from public, private transport, from hospital cots, from their workplaces. The kidnappers are even lying in wait in pharmacies and grocery stores. People are being maimed, they're being beaten nearly to death, tear gas is being used against them, electroshocks, and even persons with disabilities and persons with serious diseases are being rounded up. This is the kind of so-called security that Zelenskyy is looking to export throughout the world. In reality, he is merely exporting mercenaries and weaponry which are surfacing in conflict hotspots throughout the world, and of course his theatrical productions largely being exported to European stages.

Nor can we fail to comment on allegations against the Russian Federation alleging violations of Russian President's announced Easter truce. We hope that this measure did indeed allow for the vast majority of Orthodox worshippers to peacefully celebrate the holy day. Kyiv, of course, immediately began to hurl allegations against Russia alleging ceasefire violations. However, the Russian side verified at least 6,500 ceasefire violations by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and this was merely in the 32 hours of its being in effect. And the UAF also shelled civilian objects, and there are dead and wounded civilians as a result as well. I emphasize that this measure can under no circumstances be interpreted as a prologue for a long-standing ceasefire. Russia advocates for achievement of a long-term, comprehensive resolution in such a manner as to eradicate all the root causes of the conflict. There can be and there no must be no must be no substitutions, palliatives, or misconceptions here. And Zelenskyy and the majority of European leaders are striving not to attain peace, but rather to prolong the war, and this is the main reason for which the Ukrainian crisis remains unresolved to this day. And even though European delegations today on camera are shedding crocodile tears about the myriad woes and travails besetting the Ukrainian people, in reality, the Ukrainians' plight is of no concern to them whatsoever.

Late last week, the Chief of Defense of the Belgian Armed Forces, Frédéric Vansina, in an interview stated that Ukraine is gaining time in order to prepare European countries for war with Russia. And this is precisely what Kyiv is being paid money for and receiving credit for. Ordinary Ukrainians are expendable, and this is essentially what the Belgian general stated. However, there are fewer and fewer of them too, and it is increasingly difficult to round them up. Therefore, the Europeans are considering and studying measures to bring back refugees, first and foremost male refugees, to Ukraine. There are large-scale weapons production initiatives underway in Europe. No effort is being spared for the Kyiv regime to hang on another year and a half to two years, but a respite would also be welcome in order to replenish their forces, and this is precisely what they mean when they talk about ceasefire. There is no sensible political force in Kyiv that can counter this cannibalistic design, and the current Ukrainian leaders continue to blindly do his bidding. Not only is this guaranteeing that he stays in power, but also guarantees his personal enrichment. And yet the conclusion of this script drafted by the collective West will be exceedingly tragic. Thank you, President.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [1:57:23]:

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as a representative of Bahrain.

At the outset, I welcome His Excellency Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East and Asia and the Pacific, and Miss Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, and I thank them both for their valuable briefings to the Council today. Excellencies, the widespread suffering resulting from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues unabated, casting a heavy shadow over civilians and infrastructure. In March, there was a concerning surge in civilian casualties, a 49% increase compared to the previous month. In this regard, I wish to highlight the following points.


Bahrain [1:58:32]:

One, on the protection of civilians. The Kingdom of Bahrain emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring full protection of civilians and exercising constant care to spare them from military operations, ensuring that civilian facilities and infrastructure are not made targets of attacks. We also reiterate our firm commitment to upholding international law, including international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter.

Two, on the security aspect. We regret the alarming use of drones in conflicts, a trend that saw a 70% increase in March 2026 compared to March 2025, as these drones inflict severe damage upon civilian and vital infrastructure and pose a direct threat to civilian lives. We have witnessed the impact of attacks on critical infrastructure in various regions in the world, including the Gulf, where the Islamic Republic of Iran continuously targeted critical infrastructure and civilian sites. This constitutes a grave and unlawful threat to the safety of civilians, as well as to regional and international energy and food supplies, in blatant disregard of Iran's obligations under international humanitarian law, Security Council resolution 2817, and Human Rights Council 61/1. We warn against the use of drones, which may fall into the hands of non-state actors, thereby exacerbating instability and posing a long-term threat to international peace and security.

Three, on the diplomatic front. We commend the efforts of all countries and states striving to mediate in order to achieve the peace, security, and stability that demand our immediate attention and action. These efforts aim to avert an escalation of crises by seeking diplomatic solutions through dialogue and negotiation. We hope to see positive progress in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

In this context, we commend the United States of America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the State of Qatar for their role in facilitating various mediation efforts. These initiatives bridge the gap between the two sides by resolving differences and settling disputes through peaceful means, thereby enabling the international community to move closer to a long-awaited solution that fosters stability in Europe and upholds international peace and security through the proposal of realistic and sustainable solutions.

In conclusion, we stress the need for a political and lasting settlement to end the Russian-Ukrainian war and alleviate its humanitarian repercussions in line with the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, and Security Council resolution 2774. Thank you so much.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [2:02:07]:

I resume my function as a president of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Ukraine.


Ukraine · Sergiy Kyslytsya [2:02:20]:

Mr. President, distinguished members of the Security Council, I wish to thank the presidency of Bahrain for convening this meeting and express my gratitude to the delegates of Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, Liberia, and the UK for supporting Ukraine's request. I further thank the distinguished briefers, Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya, for their sobering presentations and testimonies.

Once again, in this chamber, we have heard shocking and unbearable facts of Russia's systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated against the civilian population in Ukraine. All this evidence, so meticulously documented by the UN mission, will, I'm convinced, become a key foundation for future judicial proceedings and the prosecution of all perpetrators of these outrageous crimes. And the moment of accountability will come much sooner than many expect. Regarding the alleged civil victims that the Russian authorities have claimed, I have to stress that these data could not be duly verified by the independent UN bodies. Ukraine does not attack civilians.

Mr. President, more than 1,500 days have passed since the beginning of the Russian Federation's full-scale military invasion in Ukraine. The Russian armed forces have continued to deliberately and systematically attack the civilian population of Ukraine and target critical civilian infrastructure using ballistic and cruise missiles, guided aerial bombs, multiple launch rocket systems, and deadly Shahed drones, resulting in significant casualties and destruction.

Russian drones hunt civilians like in a vicious video game. They strike ambulances, they hit emergency personnel and firefighters, they hit OCHA staff as we just heard from the briefing of ASG Msuya. Just between March 30 and April 13, Russia launched over 3,600 strike UAVs, nearly 1,350 guided bombs, and more than 40 missiles against Ukraine, killing at least 70 civilians and injuring more than 400 people.

And last week brought no relief from the Russian terror. Moscow used over 2,360 strike UAVs, more than 1,320 guided bombs, and nearly 60 missiles against Ukraine, killing and injuring dozens of innocent people. On April the 14th, a Russian strike on the center of the city of Dnipro claimed the lives of five civilians and left 27 others injured. On the night of April 15, Russia carried on one of the deadliest attacks against civilians using more than 700 ballistic and cruise missiles and drones. Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions came under massive attack. At least 17 civilians were killed and dozens wounded. Among those killed in the capital was a 12-year-old boy. I could continue this vast catalog of new Russian war crimes, but regrettably for some in this chamber, these horrific facts have been reduced to little more than routine wartime statistics and do not evoke the harsh reaction necessary to put Russia in its place. This indifference must end.

Mr. President, before I proceed with my statement, I wish to once again briefly debunk the baseless accusations and propaganda that we heard last time and today from the mouth of Russia's representative. To be frank, it is not easy for any person guided by common sense to provide a rational response to these Russian flows of distorted narratives and fabrications. Ignorance in this regard might seem the most natural response to the constant stream of lies that Russia has been spreading in this chamber, also today. But this stance has created the illusion that what the Russian delegation says may have some factual basis, which is completely wrong. So let me expose at least some of the groundless claims that we just heard in Mr. Nebenzya's statement.

The delegate of Russia expressed concern that the President of Ukraine is allegedly too worried about the international community's attention shifting to the Middle East and therefore is actively engaging with the countries of the Gulf region. In reality, this assertion reveals something else, namely Russia's complete loss of credibility and growing irrelevance in this region. The truth is that it is Ukraine that is extending a hand of practical assistance to its partners in the Gulf, helping them protect their energy infrastructure from criminal strikes by Iranian drones and missiles supported by Russia. And it is Russia which is the main accomplice of the Tehran regime that has betrayed the Gulf countries, delivered them a knife in the back, and abused its veto right to block a crucial draft resolution on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz two weeks ago.

Mr. President, the Russian delegate once again lamented today the alleged difficulties of mobilization in Ukraine, repeating a familiar repertoire of lies instead of spreading disinformation about the Ukrainian army aimed at driving a wedge and sowing a division in our society. Perhaps Mr. Nebenzya should reflect on the alarming reality inside Russia's armed forces. Since the beginning of this year, Russia has been losing no fewer than 30 to 35,000 soldiers every single month. In fact, Russian battlefield losses have exceeded monthly recruitment plans achieved through contract enlistment. This reveals a growing structural crisis of Russia's manpower system. The Kremlin is increasingly struggling to attract volunteers for its vicious war of aggression despite unprecedented financial incentives. Russian regional authorities are engaged in an unsustainable bidding contest, offering ever higher signing bonuses that far exceed average incomes. Recruitment relies on coercion, pressure on vulnerable social groups, prisoners, migrant workers, recently naturalized citizens, and, and foreign mercenaries. Newly recruited personnel are sent directly into the high-attrition assaults without adequate training. Given the casualty rise, which are unprecedented, recruits from whom Mr. Putin is sending into the meat grinder on Ukrainian soil face an extremely short life expectancy, measured in weeks or even in days. So before lecturing others, Russia should confront the uncomfortable truth: it is not Ukraine that faces a mobilization crisis. We fight for our homeland. It is Russia that is burning through its own population.

Mr. President, in my previous statement, I presented clear evidence of why Russia is going to lose this war because of its disastrous economic situation. Today, I will demonstrate why Mr. Putin will fail and be defeated from the military point of view. No army since World War I has paid such an astronomical death toll for such negligible gains as Russia. According to battlefield assessments, Russia is currently losing on average 254 soldiers for every square kilometer of Ukrainian territory it still manages to occupy. To put this into historical perspective, let me remind that during the Winter War of 1939-40, an illegal aggression that was launched by the Soviet Union against Finland, the cost of human lives per square kilometer was roughly 100 times lower.

This comparison illustrates a fundamental reality of this war: Russia is achieving minimal territorial gain at an extraordinary high human price. At present, Russia does not control more than 20% of the Donetsk region, territory which Mr. Putin has been demanding in the form of an ultimatum that Ukraine surrender without a fight. This is pure blackmail. We are speaking about 6,000 square kilometers. Russia demands Ukraine to abandon one of the most heavily fortified and logistically developed defensive lines. And we must not forget, first and foremost, that beyond these fortifications, there are cities and villages where Ukrainians live. How can we leave hundreds of thousands of these people to their fate, to face barbarians bringing death and destruction? Taking into account the current staggering and appalling rate of Russian losses for every square kilometer of Ukrainian soil, the bloody arithmetic becomes even clearer. The calculation is very simple: just multiply 6,000 by 254 dead soldiers for each square kilometer. According to this brutal logic of war, in order to seize the whole territory of Donbas, of the Donetsk region, by a military means, Mr. Putin would have to send at least another one and a half million soldiers to their death. This mathematics is truly mind-boggling.

In practical terms, this would effectively amount to more than doubling Russia's current human losses in this war, bringing the total beyond 3 million casualties. Even for Mr. Putin, for whom the value that he attaches to the life of his own citizens appears to be worth less than a penny or a ruble, such a figure would be catastrophic. That is why the Kremlin turned to the pseudo-negotiation tactics, trying to achieve this goal through diplomatic pressure on Ukraine. But it is not going to work. If one were to apply the current rate of Russian casualties to Mr. Putin's real objective, which is occupying the entire territory of Ukraine, the conclusion becomes almost unimaginable. It would imply that Russia would have to sacrifice over 122 million soldiers to reach this goal. Let me repeat: 122 million soldiers that would have to die in order to achieve Mr. Putin's bizarre dream of conquering Ukraine. And let me remind this Council that Russia's current population is about 140 millions, a population already in dramatic demographic decline. It is quite difficult, using all imagination, to describe the expected loss of more than 122 million Russian lives as a glorious victory, isn't it?

Besides, as I noted, not without irony, in my previous statement, given the snail's pace of Russia's military advances, this inglorious victory would take only 183 years. Well, Mr. Putin seems to be a military genius with this brilliant war strategy, doesn't he? But even he, with all his megalomania, cannot fail to understand this: that this insane objective of capturing the whole of Ukraine is one he will never, ever be able to achieve by military means. So instead of conquering Ukraine, Mr. Putin appears more likely to destroy Russia itself. Against the backdrop of massive military losses, a collapsing economy, and growing internal social turmoil, the territorial disintegration of Russia may become only a matter of time. And it is precisely for this reason that Mr. Putin is raising the stakes in this ferocious game, issuing ultimatums and addressing US mediators, demanding that Ukraine voluntarily withdraw from the Donetsk region as a precondition for any peace talks. I wish to reiterate once and for all that Ukraine rejects any type of ultimatum. We will never, ever abandon a single square millimeter of our soil, and we will never, ever abandon any of our fellow citizens.

Mr. President, let me remind the Council that Russia is, at least for the time being, the largest country on the planet with 17.1 million square kilometers. So 6,000 square kilometers of the Donetsk region that Putin wants represent just 0.03% of Russia's territory. I repeat: 0.03%. Can anyone in this chamber explain Russia's obsession with seizing yet another few square kilometers of Ukrainian land? Mr. Putin wants to convince American mediators and the broader international community that peace itself hinges on Ukraine's voluntary surrender of the Donetsk region and that once this demand is met, Russia will at last be happy and internal peace will follow. Does anyone seriously believe this fairy tale? We don't. What is the purpose of this relentless war of conquest when only about 1% of Russia's vast territory is populated and developed, while the remaining 99% are largely neglected and at best partially exploited for natural resources extraction?

Moreover, during the 26-year rule, Mr. Putin has effectively abandoned his population, many of whom still struggle with the most basic standards of sanitation. According to official data, one-fourth of Russian households do not have access to centralized sewage systems or indoor sanitation facilities. In rural areas, the situation is even more severe: in some regions, up to two-thirds of households must rely on outdoor pit latrines. Let us imagine the scale of this absurdity that we are dealing with. On the one hand, Russia demands recognition as a great superpower, claiming the right to redraw state borders by force and impose a new sphere of influence. Yet on the other hand, around 35 million Russian citizens still rely on outdoor toilets. Let me repeat: 35 million Russians have no toilet at home. This is roughly the population of Malaysia, Poland, or Saudi Arabia, and comparable to the population of Texas or almost that of California. Mr. Putin wants Russia to be seen as a respected global player while living conditions for a huge part of Russia's population remain no better than in the early Middle Ages. This is the true paradox before us: Mr. Putin seeks imperial expansion abroad while failing to secure basic human dignity at home.

Mr. President, just a few days ago, we commemorated the fourth anniversary of the horrific war crimes committed by Russian soldiers in the occupied city of Bucha, as well as in the neighboring communities during the first month of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. After Russian forces were driven out, more than 450 murdered civilians were found in Bucha alone: men and women executed in the streets, tortured in basements, and buried in mass graves. One of the factors helping to explain the brutality we witnessed in Bucha and other Ukrainian towns under Russian occupation was a deep sense of resentment and hatred described in numerous testimonies and investigation findings. Russian soldiers, many of whom still live in medieval conditions using pit latrines, were confronted with something they had never expected to see: ordinary Ukrainian families living with dignity in modern homes within communities that they had built with prosperity over 30 years of independence.

And it was this encounter that generated additional hostility and fueled rage and barbarity among Russian soldiers. It translated into the gravest atrocities against civilians, shocking the conscience of mankind and standing as one of the darkest chapters of modern history. Mr. President, we call upon our American partners not to weaken but to strengthen the sanctions regime on Russian energy exports. The recent exemption is expected to generate about 10 billion dollars in additional oil revenues for Russia in April alone. Does anyone believe that these windfall revenues would fund schools, hospitals, or maybe sanitation? They will finance Russia's war of annihilation, enough to produce up to half a million deadly Shahed drones. Thus, we appeal to our American partners to rely far more on the stick than the carrot in their carrot-and-stick approach to restore a just and lasting peace.

We also urge our European allies to take decisive actions to end once and for all the shameful practice of Russia's shadow fleet, an opaque system that keeps its energy exports flowing. This loophole must finally be closed forever. At the same time, we call upon the countries of the Global South to reconsider their current stance and join the existing regime of coordinated sanctions against Russia's oil, gas, and coal sectors. I also appeal to the Global South: if they cannot support Ukraine with defense weapons, at least they might support the humanitarian program we just heard from the briefing of ASG Msuya. Each seven out of eight Ukrainian in need cannot be reached because of the, because of the funding. And I also like to address our European allies and express Ukraine's gratitude for your staunch support in resisting Russian aggression. This solidarity will go down in history. The fact that the Russian representative in every statement, also today, does not conceal his dissatisfaction with how firmly Europe stands on the side of Kyiv is itself yet another testament to the exceptional nature of this alliance. Let me remind the UN that the EU combined GDP is 11 times larger than that of Russia.

At the same time, we call upon our European allies to make another historic step and take a political decision to raise military assistance to Ukraine to the level of 1% of GDP. This would send a powerful signal to Moscow that Mr. Putin has already lost this war. Mr. President, with peace negotiations frozen, de facto frozen by Russia for nearly two months now, we are convinced that the Security Council must provide the necessary impetus and move without delay toward the adoption of a new strong resolution. We would particularly appeal to our European friends, members of this Council, to demonstrate leadership commensurate with the seriousness of the momentum and to bring forward a respective draft resolution as soon as possible. I hope some may draw inspiration from the courageous delegation of Bahrain, which despite strong headwinds and discouragement, showed genuine resolve and ultimately contributed to the adoption of the resolution 2817. If Mr. Putin were serious about the Easter ceasefire proposal, he would not veto a new resolution establishing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners of war on a all-for-all basis.

This new resolution should not be yet another political statement without consequences. It must become a firm instrument of enforcement designed to compel a genuine cessation of hostilities and ensure its implementation. It should be backed by credible measures of pressure, including targeted sanctions in line with the established Security Council practice. Distinguished members, let us not only debate as we do today and every month, but fully use the competence of this body and finally act. Mr. President, let me conclude by reiterating again that Russia has no chance to win this war. There is nothing that can save Mr. Putin, not even high oil prices. And I would like to address my Russian colleague traditionally in Russian language that was quite literally drilled into us with force in Soviet schools by Moscow rulers. I will do it again also to lay bare Mr. Putin's fake narrative as if this language were allegedly persecuted or banned in Ukraine, which is not the case. Pozdno, Vasya, pit' Borzhomi, kogda pochki otkazali. It's too late to drink Borjomi mineral water once the kidneys have failed. I thank you for your attention.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [2:24:54]:

I thank the representative of Ukraine for the statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Miss Hedda Samson, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations.


EU · EU · Deputy Head of Delegation · Hedda Samson [2:25:05]:

Thank you, President. I thank the Bahraini presidency for convening this meeting and I thank the briefers for their updates. I have the honor to make this statement on behalf of the European Union and its 27 member states. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Andorra and Monaco align themselves with this statement. President, we have now entered the fifth year of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. 1,500 days of conflict, destruction, and civilian losses.

Only last week, a new wave of Russian missiles and drones targeted civilians in Kyiv, Dnipro, Cherkasy, Sloviansk, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv. In Kharkiv, Russia targeted the Pechenihy Dam with six guided aerial bombs at a moment of peak seasonal water levels. If successful, the strike would have caused catastrophic downstream flooding, reminiscent of the blowing up of the Kakhovka Dam under Russian control in 2023. This Council must unequivocally condemn Russia for systematically and deliberately targeting Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure and bring diplomatic pressure to bear to make it stop.

Beyond all else, this war needs to stop, and it needs to stop now. I reiterate the EU's strong support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and underpinned by robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. The EU supports diplomatic efforts to bring the war to an end, and they need to be stepped up without delay. Russia must finally agree to a full, unconditional, and immediate ceasefire and engage in meaningful negotiations towards a just and lasting peace. The EU calls on all members of this Council to join us in urging Russia to do so.

For peace to be just and lasting, respect for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity is the cornerstone. Borders must not be changed by force. The aggressor cannot be rewarded, and Ukraine's long-term security and ability to defend itself must be guaranteed. We are prepared to contribute to robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine, notably through the coalition of the willing and in cooperation with the United States.

The European Union also urges all countries, including all members of this Council, to immediately cease any assistance to Russia in its war of aggression, whether direct or indirect, and notably through the provision of dual-use goods and components. In the context of Iran's indiscriminate military strikes against countries in the region, the EU welcomes Ukraine's readiness to provide support and expertise in air defense and counter-drone systems to Gulf countries, based on its ample experience in defending itself from the same Iranian-developed Shahed drones that Iran has been transferring to Russia.

I reiterate the EU's urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe and conditional return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported and transferred Ukrainian children and other civilians, in light of the decision of the General Assembly decision last December to redouble efforts to return Ukrainian children. We welcome the recent visit of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict to Kyiv in this regard, and we look forward to hearing from the UN about its efforts.

President, I also reaffirm the EU's commitment to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. And in this context, the EU welcomes recent steps forward and calls to continue to sustain efforts within the framework of the Council of Europe towards the operationalization of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and the establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. The EU also welcomes the recent renewal of the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine by the Human Rights Council. The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union. We will continue to provide, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people, in line with its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. I thank you, President.


Bahrain · President · Jamal Fares Alrowaiei [2:31:17]:

I thank Her Excellency Miss Samson for her statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.