The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Security Council, 10188th meeting

The 10,187th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is maintenance of international peace and security. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with Rule 37 of the Council's Rules of Procedure, I invite the representatives of Belarus 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— I invite Ms. Marta Amaakiapobé to participate in this meeting as Assistant Secretary-General of the Department of Political and Peace Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of Agenda Item 2. I give the floor to Ms. Martha Ama Akey-Pobi. You have the floor.

Mr. President, this is the 7th time in 6 weeks that the Council has convened in relation to the war in Ukraine and its impact on international peace and security. The frequency of these meetings reflects the dangerous escalation of this war and the heightened risks risk of further deterioration with regional and global implications. Over the past few weeks, the intensity and scope of attacks by the Russian Federation against Ukraine have increased significantly, causing greater civilian casualties and damage. Only today, At least 15 people were reportedly killed across Ukraine due to Russian aerial strikes. Escalating attacks have also been reported in the areas of Ukraine under the temporary occupation of the Russian Federation. In the Russian-occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and the city of Sevastopol of Ukraine. Reported Ukrainian drone strikes have led the occupying Russian authorities to declare a state of emergency, including due to fuel and water shortages. Drone strikes on industrial, military, and energy sites have also reportedly continued to result in civilian casualties inside the Russian Federation. As we briefed this Council on 17 June, a drone strike reportedly hit a bus carrying a Belarusian youth soccer team in the Bryansk region of the Russian Federation. According to Russian and Belarusian authorities, one pregnant woman was killed and 9 people 6 of them children, were injured. The United Nations does not have additional information about the incident. Mr. President, civilians must be protected. We firmly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure wherever they occur. They are prohibited under international humanitarian law. They must stop immediately. Mr. President, since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than 4 years ago, the war has stoked tensions and instability across Europe. In countries neighboring Ukraine and the Russian Federation, Reports of airspace violations and drone sightings have become frequent. Such incidents have been reported by the authorities in Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Poland, and Belarus, as well as in countries in the wider region: Bulgaria, Greece, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Türkiye. As we have previously briefed this Council, Romania reported first, first civilian injuries caused by a drone in May. At the time, we expressed our concern about the risk of further regional fallout. More recently, concerns regarding potential escalation related to Belarus have increased. To that end, we are alarmed by the recent escalatory rhetoric and potential for further spillover of this war. Everything must be done to prevent this from happening. We therefore urge the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and all concerned member states to avoid any steps that could cause this war, either intentionally or unintentionally, to spread further. We renew our appeal for dialogue and diplomacy to immediately de-escalate tensions and prevent an even greater conflagration. We encourage all regional stakeholders to contribute to ongoing peace efforts in Ukraine and to foster long-term peace and security in the region. Mr. President, in this somber context, we welcome the latest exchange of 160 prisoners of war each between the Russian Federation and Ukraine on 26 June, as well as the return of 7 civilians from each side on 27 June. These developments remind us of the benefits derived when the sides engage constructively. In this regard, we also appreciate the support provided by third parties, including the United Arab Emirates and Belarus. They demonstrate that diplomacy can result in tangible outcomes. Mr. President, as the Secretary-General stated on United Nations Charter Day, The principles of the Charter are neither optional or negotiable. They prohibit the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. They require that international disputes be settled by peaceful means. Over 4 years on, The war in Ukraine is facing a new inflection point. Amid mounting civilian casualties, growing destruction, and widening regional spillover, the choice between immediate de-escalation and dangerous escalation is starkly clear. We cannot afford the risk of a broader regional conflict in Europe. An immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire is urgently needed. A ceasefire would enable meaningful and inclusive negotiations towards a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in line with the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions. The United Nations supports all efforts to to this end. I thank you.

I thank Ms. Pobe for her briefing to the Security Council. I will now give the floor to Council members who wish to make a statement. I give the floor to the delegation of the Russian Federation.

Mr.

President, Russia supported the convening of an urgent meeting of the Security Council, which was requested by our colleagues from Belarus, as on the theme of the Ukrainian attack drone strike against a bus which was transporting on the 17th of June Belarusian children to a vacation in Gelendzhik. We would like to express our support and condolences to the representative of Belarus to the UN, Mr. Rybakov, and through him to the people of Belarus and all of those who were wounded and wish them a speedy recovery. The bus had 44 people, including 28 people who were students of the Athletic School Number 2 in Shlechitsa in Belarus, as a result of which a pregnant woman accompanying the group from Lugansk died. She was a mother of two. Nine more people, including 6 minors, were wounded. According to the driver, several drones were flying over the bus before the attack. This is not a strike against a military entity with consequences for civilians, but rather an intentional undertaking by an operator who saw what the target was. This is an act of terrorism against civilians, and this was the verification of this by the investigative committee of Russia. Investigative committee of Belarus also started proceedings, for which they traveled to the site. The Kyiv authorities, as usual, tried to shift the responsibility for this on our country because they called what happened a provocation or an information operation which benefits Russia, supposedly. But these insinuations do not withstand any kind of criticism. And, uh, can be refuted by facts. At the place of attack, a number of pieces of evidence was found and shows that the drone was a Ukrainian one. The commander of the drone forces of Ukraine, Brovdy, and, uh, the head of Ukrainian intelligence were there. They were in charge of target acquisition and ordered the strike against the children. Um, the, uh, the perpetrators of attack as also identified. They work for the Chimera unit of a border unit, um, of Ukraine. Mr. Tkachenko, a serviceman of a rapid reaction unit of Ukrainian border services, Mr. Zhukov, and a serviceman of the special operations of Ukrainian Armed Forces. Now, against all of these people are the subject of a countries where they are given accusations under the accusation of terrorist acts against civilians. They are all announced to be searched for internationally. We are disappointed by the fact that the UN Secretary-General is not principled enough to call a spade a spade here and say that the people responsible for the tragedy, tragedy in the Bryansk region is a regime in Kyiv. Instead of that, Once again, what we hear from international bureaucrats are toothless comments about how it is unacceptable to attack civilians or civilian facilities. And behind these general formulations, what we see is political cowardice and reluctance to see the crimes committed by Zelensky, even when the victims of such crimes are children. At the same time, any baseless accusations against our country are being picked up by the UN Secretariat instantly without any verification. We demand that the Secretary-General and the relevant UN units unequivocally condemn these bloody crimes. Ignoring targeted strikes by Kyiv resulting in numerous victims amongst children is a very clear indication of double standards which violate the Charter of the United Nations. And this creates with the regime in Kyiv the feeling that they have complete and full immunity. And essentially, this is egging them on in their terrorist ambitions. Similarly, we call upon every responsible government to provide a very clear assessment of this and many other crimes conducted by Ukrainian neo-Nazis and condemn them publicly. Mr. President, this crime by the Zelensky regime is not just yet another episode of Ukrainian armed forces' terror against civilians. It is an illustration of their terrorist essence. Strikes against a dormitory in Starobilsk, of Basova civilians in Yenakiv, against children in the Bryansk Oblast show that for the Kyiv regime there are no restrictions. Any person, including children, who happen to be on the territory of Russia or who are transiting are automatically a target for elimination. This regime made military crimes a part of their military strategy. They are hunting peaceful civilians down as well as first responders who are trying to help those who are wounded or are trying to mitigate the consequences of an act of terror. This cynicism and nature show— is shown in the increased number of strikes against educational and children's facilities, especially during the spring and summer where the exams are underway, competitions are underway, school proms, and other activities. When Western countries are appealing to international humanitarian law, colleagues, please remember that for those who were the acolytes of Nazis, for those who openly are glorifying the killers of Jews, Poles, and Russians, these kinds of acts are run-of-the-mill by now, and they do not take into account any kind of an IHL. The Zelensky regime thinks that it is important for them today to show the successes of their armed forces to make sure that there's more Western weaponry coming into the country and a great deal of money. At the same time, the Western sponsors of the regime consider the support of the regime as beneficial commercially and geopolitically. In reality, there are no successes on the front line, and the possibility of forcibly mobilizing Ukrainian armed forces is going down consistently. Therefore, the picture which is being being painted by the mass media is only being fed by drone strikes against civilian targets. The strike of the UAV was a planned PR action can also be demonstrated by the fact that at the same time, essentially, there's demonstrative attacks with the so-called Belarusian opposition. More than that, several days after this strategy, Zelensky issued a issued aggressive ultimatum against Minsk and threatened that if ultimatum is not carried out, well, the Kyiv will have to take care of it itself. Several days later, however, the Ukrainian leader decided to backslide, and this shows yet once again how the low cost of those kinds of ultimatum. Well, this is not— this is no longer diplomacy. This is just blackmailing, trying to involve a sovereign state, the Republic of Belarus, into the conflict. Rhetoric of Kyiv about protecting Europe from Russia is nothing other than a smokescreen so as to prolong the conflict, um, and to continue hostilities until the very last Ukrainian, and involving NATO in a direct confrontation with Moscow. Is anyone still doubting the true intent of Zelensky to broaden the geography of the conflict to the territory of Belarus, Poland, and the Baltic States? He's playing with fire, and the European countries should realize that they're client has basically gone out of control. Let me also note that today, as opposed to the May 20th meeting convened by Ukraine, Antonio Guterres did not come to the Security Council to say how worried he is about broadening of the conflict. Well, that's basically all we can say about how candid he is and how worried he is about the current situation or how impartial he is. Mr. President, for the period from the 15th to the 21st of June, 296 civilians were impacted by Ukrainian strikes. 47 people died, including one child. 250 people were wounded, including 20 minors. The civilian facilities On the territory of Russia suffered from about 5,000 rounds of munition as a result of strikes in Moscow and the environs. An 8-year-old girl died. 23 civilians were impacted. In Zhukovsky, a drone struck a high-rise apartment and destroyed the balconies at higher stories. These were not strikes against military facilities, but rather against a dense metropolis and its suburbs. We are seriously concerned by the increasing terrorist attacks against Zaporizhzhia and the city of Energodar near it. As a result of a strike there, one person died, one more person was seriously wounded. Uh, the transport unit of the NPP was also attacked. It took— no fewer than 14 drone strikes. A fire erupted. The area and the buildings there were severely damaged. There's no doubt here that these attacks are called upon to destabilize the work of a major nuclear facility in Europe and is another attempt by Kyiv to blackmail the region by the threat of nuclear catastrophe. The Western sponsors of the Kyiv regime understand very well that their weapons is not there to protect democracy, but rather to strike civilians and civilian facilities. But this inconvenient truth does not put them off in any way. New tranches of weaponry is being sent to Kyiv, and talks about protecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine are used only to serve as a screen for their own participation. On the 18th of June, in the NATO headquarters in Brussels, chaired by the UK and Germany, Another meeting of the Contact Group on Defense Assistance to Ukraine, the Ramstein Group, took place. New supplies of weaponry was supplied, long-range weapons and drones. The most generous donor yet once again was Germany. They said that they were ready to allocate $400 million to buy American weapons and Patriots. The UK intends to send £752 million sterling from Russian assets so as to manufacture drones and also provide air defense and radars. And the Netherlands are adding €500 million for air defense. And Belgium is promising the first 7 F-16s in 2026. This, as you can see, the peace agenda of the West in practice. Billions to arms corporations and rockets and drones to the Kyiv regime is how you can see them. In this room, the representative for Western countries are constantly talking about the need to cease fire, present themselves as peace-loving representatives within the UN. Now, this is perfectly fine. These are exactly the signals that non-Western countries are waiting They are not going to demonstrate their attempts to provide weaponry to Kyiv to support their military industry and preparing for war with Russia. Question may arise as to why most humanitarian appeals in the world are underfinanced, why peacekeeping and development efforts do not have enough money, whereas drone technology from Ukraine spreading throughout the world. But let's not think that the representatives of other countries are stupid. You cannot cover up the reality. All of these many billions spent on the war for Ukraine shows you Europe's true colors. They are not a mediator, but the main sponsor of the continued war who tries to use the language of ultimatum threats and political blackmail when talking to Russia. I now address myself to Western members of the country whose States manufacture and provide the Zelensky regime with long-range weaponry, which is being used by him so as to strike against civilians intentionally. If you continue providing weaponry to Ukraine, well, you have become a participant in these many crimes, and you are held directly, politically, and morally responsible for them. Russia does not accept ultimatums. We do not succumb to pressure, and we will not have decisions imposed on us if they go against our direct national interest. In this current situation, we can see yet once again that the special military operation was justified. We are trying to put an end to the neo-Nazi regime, which for 8 years had been shelling Donbas and is now terrorizing all of the Ukrainian population, first and foremost the Russian speakers. Under these conditions, we will continue striking military facilities in Ukraine, 20th to 26th of June. In reaction to terror attacks against civilian facilities in my country, our armed forces struck 5 times against military objects and facilities used by Ukrainian armed forces. We struck against the military industry, against the energy facilities and fuel storehouse, and the warehouses for drones and the places for the temporary deployment of Ukrainian units and foreign mercenaries. In the night of the 26th of June, there was a group strike using precision weaponry, as a result of which the territorial center for the warehousing in Kyiv was struck, as well as the oil processing facility in Poltava Oblast. On the battlefield, our Armed Forces also are fully fully controlling the initiative. Mr. President, it would of course have been far preferable to attain the goals of the special military operations through political means, but the realistic solutions taking into account the legitimate interests of Russia cannot be seen at present. So far, the intent of the Western countries to impose a strategic defeat on us remains unchanged, and for as long as that is the case, we will continue resisting those attempts militarily. We do have the political will and ways and means for that, and no one should doubt that for a second.

I thank you.

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

President, I thank ASG Popee for the briefing. China takes note of the reports that a bus in the Bryansk region of Russia came under drone strikes and expresses deep concern over the resulting Belarusian civilian casualties. China condemns all attacks against civilians. Under no circumstances should civilians be targeted in attacks. Their safety must be protected. In previous briefings, we have learned that both Russia and Ukraine have recently endured immense suffering, with the monthly number of civilian casualties reaching a peak since the outbreak of the conflict. The development is deeply saddening. Even more unfortunate is that conflict has triggered severe spillover effects, frequently endangering safety of people in other regional countries. If the conflict continues indefinitely like this, it will only bring more suffering, cause more destruction, plunge more innocent people into a senseless tragedy, and make the situation even more unpredictable. Conflict knows no winner and war cannot solve problems. China once again calls on parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint, strictly abide by international humanitarian law, refrain from attacking civilians or civilian infrastructure, and work for de-escalation so as to cease hostilities at an early date. We call on relevant parties to speedily resume negotiations, demonstrate political will to each other, and dedicate themselves to eliminate root causes of the conflict based on full and complete compliance with the principles of the UN Charter, with a view to reaching a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement. President Xi Jinping: President Xi Jinping has maintained an objective and impartial position on the Ukraine issue, guided by the four truths proposed by President Xi Jinping. We remain engaged with all parties, including Russia and Ukraine, and tirelessly promote talks for peace. Along with the international community, China is ready to continue playing a constructive role in promoting political settlement to the crisis. I thank you, President.

I thank the delegation of China for that statement. I give the floor to the delegation of Panama.

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank Ms. Martha Akaapovi, Assistant Secretary General of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. We thank her for her invaluable briefing. We recognize the participation of the delegations of Belarus and Ukraine in this meeting. They honor us with their presence today. I must reiterate that the persistence of this conflict is reflected in the agenda of this Council. With today's meeting, we have now held 31 meetings on the conflict in Ukraine since the beginning of Panama's term as— as an elected member of the Security Council that began in 2025. However, this high number of meetings has not translated into significant headway towards the resolution of the conflict. Quite on the contrary, violence has intensified and the humanitarian and security consequences continue to worsen. After more than 4 years of conflict in Ukraine, its consequences continue to spread. And yet again, this Council is receiving reports on the loss of civilian lives, including the loss of children, and that reminds us of the devastating suffering that this war continues to bring about. These events stand as a reminder that those who bear the least responsibility for conflicts are all too often those who endure the most lasting consequences thereof. New generations deserve to grow up in freedom and security, free of the sound of bombs and of the fear of sirens announcing attacks. Panama will continue to speak out in favor of the protection of all children and young people. Convinced that all generations deserve to grow up in peace, in an environment in which borders are arenas for cooperation and not confrontation. President, each new incident producing civilian victims confirms that the continuation of the conflict in Ukraine only renders suffering more acute and serves to further dim the prospects of a peaceful resolution. Consequently, we reiterate our appeal for an immediate, complete, comprehensive, and Sustainable ceasefire. There is an urgent need to halt the spiral of violence to then create conditions ripe for dialogue. Against that backdrop, it is vital to reaffirm commitment to diplomatic channels, as well as to put an end to the loss of civilian life and to move towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict on the basis of full respect for international law, international humanitarian law, and the United Nations Charter. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Panama. I now give the floor to France.

Thank you, Madam President. I wish to thank Assistant Secretary General Ms. Marta Pobé for her statement. Belarusian authorities have indicated that a Belarusian national was killed and that 9 others were wounded, including 6 children, in an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a bus that was traveling through the region of Bryansk in Russia. An independent inquiry must be conducted into events. France, in all circumstances and always, calls for full compliance with international humanitarian law. These principles, particularly those of distinction, precaution, and proportionality must apply under all circumstances. Civilian populations must always be protected in view of their particularly vulnerable nature. Children must enjoy special protection as provided for by international humanitarian law. Madam President, in allowing the Russian army to invade Ukraine from its territory in 2022, 22, Belarus became complicit in a grave violation of international law. France once again calls on Belarusian authorities to cease extending support to the Russian war against Ukraine. France also calls upon Belarusian authorities to continue and to quicken the pace of the release of political prisoners. That is a positive development. They must also cease handing down sentences or imprisoning individuals on political grounds. President Madam President, once again, we reaffirm our tireless support for Ukraine in its self-defense against the incessant attacks of which it is victim. That is a right given to Ukraine under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. That principle was vindicated by the consensus that emerged at the G7 summit in Evian around increasing support to Ukraine and strengthening pressure on Russia. When they gathered in Berlin on the 24th June, leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and Italy, as well as Poland, continued that momentum. It is high time for Russia to actively commit to peace and to heed the appeal of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, supported by the vast majority of Council members and beyond. That is the demand for an immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional ceasefire. With our partners, we support proposals for direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia with active European and US involvement. The goal here must be to arrive at a just and lasting peace based on the fundamental rules of international law. After missed opportunities in recent months, we call upon the Russian authorities to seize this offer for serious dialogue and to choose the path of de-escalation. I thank you.

Gracias por su—

I thank you for your statement, France. I now give the floor Ambassador to Denmark, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and I thank Assistant Secretary-General Pobie for her briefing. Let me start by recalling Denmark's consistent demand that international law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected in all cases, without exception, and our demand for full accountability and justice for all crimes that have been committed in this senseless war launched by Russia. The allegations made by Belarus and Russia of a drone strike on a civilian bus in Bryansk in Russia on 17 June are serious. However, as our briefer has made clear, it has not been possible to verify these allegations, and they are also at odds with the information provided by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Given this divergence, Denmark calls for an independent investigation to establish the facts. Madam President, if Russia was genuinely concerned about civilians, there is a very simple solution. That is to end its illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine immediately. Until that day, until it ceases fails, the daily violations of the Charter, its expressions of concern will continue to ring hollow. We should not forget that Ukraine has been offering a ceasefire for well over a year. Russia, on the other hand, has chosen to prolong the war, with each day bringing further death, destruction and misery to civilians. Madam President, Russia has supported the request from Belarus force for this urgent meeting while continuing daily attacks on Ukraine. In the last 24 hours alone, Russian drones and missiles have killed and injured many Ukrainian civilians, including in Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, and Sumy Oblast. In the 1,587 days since Russia's full-scale invasion, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has verified that at least 62,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed or injured. Behind these numbers are families, futures and communities destroyed or shattered. They deserve justice and accountability. Consequently, we call on Russia to end its tactics of denial, distraction and deflection. To end the invasion it alone started, and that it alone can must end today. We reiterate our call for good-faith peace talks aimed at securing a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Greece. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to thank Assistant Secretary Secretary-General Pauvy for her briefing. Madam President, the frequency alone of these meetings related to Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is already a clear indication of the absolute need for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy. The overwhelming majority of the members of this Council has called for it, and the UN membership has repeatedly expressed its will, reflected in multiple UN resolutions. It is obvious that civilian suffering is increasing exponentially as a consequence of Russia's fateful decision to invade Ukraine more than 4 years ago. Even a few hours ago, renewed Russian attacks caused scores of civilian casualties, including in, in Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy. We wish to make 3 points. First, protection of civilians in armed conflict is an absolute legal and moral imperative. Under international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention on Civilians, parties to any conflict are strictly prohibited from targeting noncombatants and civilian facilities. Greece has repeatedly condemned any deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian objects and called for the unconditional and full respect of international humanitarian law. Children in particular must be protected at all times and under any circumstance. In this regard, we are calling for an independent inquiry into the reported attack against the passenger in Bryansk on June 17, including through unfettered access to relevant UN agencies in order for them to verify and report to the international community. Second, any civilian life lost or otherwise affected in the context of Russia's war of choice is a tragedy. Ukrainians have been living in this reality for far too long. More than 16,000 civilians have been killed, including 796 children, and almost 46,000 have been injured, including more than 3,600 children, in blatant violation of international humanitarian law. The war in Ukraine is the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II, marked by extensive civilian devastation and widespread human rights violations. We call on Russia to abstain from further violations of international law and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. In this regard, we commend the readiness of competent Ukrainian authorities to conduct investigations and take actions against human rights violations. Third, Greece has long warned against the expansion of hostilities in both magnitude and scale. In recent months, this escalation has become a reality. Urgent steps must be taken to reverse the spiral of violence and to return to the path to peace. In this regard, we are deeply alarmed by Russia's intensified attacks against urban areas in Ukraine and common military exercises, including nuclear drills with Belarus, as well as by reports of construction of new military infrastructure in Belarus across the Ukrainian border. These developments cannot be viewed in isolation. Madam President, there is a way out of this escalation, one that Ukraine has already agreed to 16 months ago: an immediate, full and comprehensive ceasefire which would allow for the resumption of direct and meaningful negotiations relations between Ukraine and Russia in full respect of international law and the principles of the UN Charter. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Greece for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I thank ASG Phoebe for her comprehensive update on the development unfolding in Eastern Europe. The current development remains a significant concern, carrying serious implications for regional stability and international norms. The divergence in narratives surrounding the event on June 17th, which is happening against the backdrop of the ongoing war in the region, underscores the urgency of the situation and the critical need for diplomacy diplomacy and dialogue. The protection of civilian and civilian lives and critical infrastructure must remain a paramount concern. Such incidents highlight the fragility and fatality— fragility and fatality in the region, reminding us that international principles enshrined in the UN charter must be respected. Madam President, we firmly maintain that there is no military solution to the ongoing war or the cross-border escalation impacting neighboring states. Continued escalations only serve to heighten tensions and undermine the prospect for a durable peace in the region. We believe that lasting solutions are found at the negotiating table, not through acts that can be interpreted as hostile. In this regard, we call upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint and engage in earnest, substantive dialogue. A durable resolution will require a genuine commitment to de-escalation, confidence-building measures, and renewed focus on diplomatic efforts. To conclude, Madam President, our delegation reaffirms its unwavering support for all efforts aimed at upholding the principles of international law and achieving just and lasting solutions consistent with the UN Charter. We firmly believe that the people in the region deserve peace, security, and stability. I thank you.

I thank the delegate of Somalia for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. At the outset, I'd like to express our appreciation to Ms. Marta Amapola for her briefing today, her valuable briefing today, and I welcome all the participants in today's meeting. Madam President, our session is devoted to examining the Russian-Ukrainian war and its repercussions within a short period of time, and this reflects the seriousness of the current situation and underscores the urgent need for an immediate de-escalation and a return to the negotiations table, and for priority to be given to diplomatic solutions, as they are the only means to bring an end to this devastating war. And here, allow me to highlight the following points. First, civilians are the most affected by conflicts. The consequences of this war, which has been ongoing for years, continue to impact their daily lives and deepen their suffering year after year. In light of the continued escalation, we emphasize the importance of exercising the utmost degrees of restraint, de-escalating tensions, and complying with relevant obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. Particularly refraining from targeting innocent civilians, especially children, as well as civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers. The Secretary-General, in his latest report on children in armed conflict, has called on all warring parties to prioritize the protection of children when planning and conducting military operations. Second, the Kingdom of Bahrain renews its warning warning that the increased and alarming use of drones in armed conflicts— a warning of this increased use and the serious humanitarian consequences that result from this trend, especially for civilians. The growing threat that is posed by the use of drones has hindered access to essential services. It has disrupted vital humanitarian assistance and emergency response forces, which has increased the suffering of innocent civilian populations and undermined humanitarian efforts. Third, the Kingdom of Bahrain warns of the continued military escalation, given its impact on undermining the prospects for achieving the desired peace and complicating existing crises and obstructing international efforts targeted at de-escalation and reaching a peaceful settlement to this conflict. Based on the above, the Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes all diplomatic initiatives aimed at bringing viewpoints closer together and building confidence and arriving at humanitarian truces, as well as ceasing military operations, thus creating the conditions needed to resume dialogue and launch comprehensive negotiations that will lead to an immediate and permanent ceasefire and will achieve a just and sustainable peace in accordance with the Charter of the UN international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. In closing, Madam President, the Kingdom of Bahrain renews its support for the calls issued by the Secretary-General of the United Nations for an immediate de-escalation, which would lead to a complete, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, and to a sustainable political solution that takes security concerns into account and achieves security and stability on the European continent. I thank you.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of Bahrain for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I thank ASG Martha Poby for the briefing. We take note of Belarus's request for holding this meeting and the reported drone attack on a civilian bus resulting in civilian casualties, including children. We deplore and deeply regret the loss of civilian lives. It is unfortunate that civilians continue to face both physical and psychological trauma from this protracted conflict. The numerous meetings that this Council has held on the conflict in Ukraine have brought to light some interconnected strands. First, the human cost of this long-drawn conflict and its humanitarian impact has been widespread and catastrophic. Second, the relentless use of armed drones and the humanitarian challenges associated with these modern technologies. And third, as the conflict drags on, the risk of miscalculation and escalation further heightens with expansion in the battlefield. This particular aspect seems to be manifesting itself more pronouncedly and with greater frequency. President In the context— in this context, we would like to underscore our consistent position on the need for all sides to strictly adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law without exception. As has been oft said in this chamber, the only way to end this conflict and achieve a lasting peace is through diplomacy and dialogue. We therefore underscore the imperative for an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities and urge all sides to earnestly recommit to the path of dialogue. Deadlock. In our view, a mutually acceptable peaceful settlement consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and corresponding to the legitimate security interests of all sides and the relevant multilateral agreements is the only viable path to a lasting peace. Pakistan will continue to support all efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive, durable, and peaceful resolution of this conflict. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom. You have the floor.

Thank you, President, and I thank Assistant Secretary General Ms. Martha Pobe for her briefing. Any loss of civilian life is a tragedy. Tragedy. We are saddened by reports of the incident on 17 June involving a bus carrying Belarusian civilians in Bryansk, Russia. Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured. Civilians must never bear the consequences of conflict, and children must always be protected. At present, we are not aware of any independent verification of the circumstances surrounding the incident. We note that Ukraine has publicly denied any claims that a Ukrainian drone struck the bus. What we do know is that if Russia truly wished to protect civilians, it would agree to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire. According to OCHA, over 16,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since Russia launched its war of choice on the 24th of February, 2022. None of this would be happening had Russia not launched its illegal full-scale invasion against Ukraine. President, the United Kingdom's position is consistent and clear. All allegations of civilian harm should be taken seriously wherever they occur. The protection of civilians remains a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law. We made that same point when this Council met last week following reports of civilian casualties resulting from recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities. We reiterate it today. Children have been particularly affected. The UN has reported that at least 796 children have been killed in Ukraine, and a further 2,835 injured since the start of Russia's war, bringing the total number of child casualties to 3,631. In Ukraine, children's homes, schools, and hospitals have been damaged and destroyed. Russia has targeted the electricity infrastructure that heats their houses in winter. It has disrupted their education. And its attacks have displaced families across Ukraine and beyond. We should all strive to prevent further civilian suffering. Russia could do so immediately. Ukraine has time and again reiterated its commitment to a ceasefire. We call on Russia also to commit to a ceasefire, to engage meaningfully in peace talks, and to end its illegal war against Ukraine. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for that statement. I give the floor to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You have the floor.

Merci, Madame la Présidente.

Thank you, Madame President. The Democratic Republic of Congo thanks you. For convening this public meeting, which we have under the agenda item Threats to International Peace and Security. My delegation also thanks the Assistant Secretary General Martha Pobee for her briefing. The Democratic Republic of the Congo expresses its deep concern related to the information provided to the Council describing regarding an incident which impacted civilian populations, which resulted in a death and several wounded, including children. The information we were provided established a link with the conflict currently underway in Ukraine and shows it once again, and as we have underscored several times within this Council, that there is no lasting military solution to this crisis. In fact, the prolongation of this conflict continues day after day to make the number of human victims increase and broadening its scope. Intensification of military operations in the course of recent weeks, which was characterized by increasing use of drones, missiles, and other sophisticated weapons systems, can only feeds our concerns that the civilians are being exposed to particularly high level of risks. Madam President, for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, any information showing an incident which could have impacted the civilians, in particular children, calls for the greatest level of vigilance possible. We would like to recall here that children should never should never be targeted, nor should they ever be exposed to the direct or indirect effects of hostilities. Their protection is a legal erga omnes obligation. This is also a moral obligation, a humanitarian one, which applies to all parties to an armed conflict without exception. The protection of civilians especially children, should be an absolute priority for all parties. The military goals cannot under any circumstances justify, um, going back on the obligations from international humanitarian law. The development of this conflict also shows us that no military technology, no matter how advanced, can completely spare the civilian population of the consequences of a war.

Military—

sophisticated military use constantly being used, therefore, requires that there be a greater level of precaution, control, and responsibility on the part of all of the actors involved. Madam President, my delegation reaffirms that a political and diplomatic settlement based on dialogue, good faith, respect for international law, and the principles of the United Nations United Nations Charter remains the only credible pathway towards lasting peace in the region. And with this in mind, the Democratic Republic of the Congo calls on all the parties to show the greatest possible restraint to avoid any kind of action that can worsen tensions and to take all the measures needed to ensure the protection of civilian populations, especially children. We also call for the cessation of attacks against civilian infrastructure and the strict compliance with the commitments undertaken under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. My delegation remains convinced that an effective, verifiable, and good-faith ceasefire is an indispensable stage in order to reduce human suffering, restore a minimum of trust, and create conditions conducive to a serious resumption of dialogue. Madam President, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms its unflagging commitment to the respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the political independence of all states as under the U.N. Charter. We underscore at the same time that the respect for these principles has to go hand in hand with the absolute respect for the obligations having to do with the protection of civilians and children in armed conflict. The Security Council has to remain united on this basic principle that children have to be protected everywhere and at all times and without discrimination. Their security cannot be subject to political division. Any and all incident involving civilians, and especially children, recalls for us how urgent it is to prevent escalation, to preserve the humanitarian space, and to promote diplomatic— diplomacy. To conclude, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms that the effective protection of civilian populations, de-escalation, the respect for international humanitarian law, law and continued diplomatic efforts done in good faith have to remain at the heart of collective action.

Each—

each meeting we have on this situation, the Council has to view this constant reality. It is the civilian populations who continue bearing the heaviest burden of the conflict, and this humanity, mandates restraint, responsibility, and resolutely looking for a just, lasting, and negotiated peace. I thank you.

I thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo for that statement. I now give the floor to Latvia.

Thank you, Madame President. I thank the Assistant Secretary-General, Martha Pobée, for her factual briefing. Compliance with international humanitarian law is not optional. It is binding in all circumstances and all parties to an armed conflict. The protection of civilians during wartime is of utmost importance. Latvia's position is clear: we engage only on the basis of verified facts, not allegations. While Russia repeatedly attempts to use the Council to deflect attention from its own actions, it continues to deny access to independent investigators, instead relying only on its own unverified claims. Latvia continues Latvia continues to call on Russia to provide full, safe, and unimpeded access to temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as to relevant sites within Russia, for UN agencies and international monitors. Latvia also continues to call for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire, to which Russia remains the only obstacle. Madam President, we have met regularly to condemn Russia on— for its grave violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law against Ukraine civilians. There are countless UN reports containing independently verified evidence documenting violations on a scope and scale that are both— unimaginable and well-known to the Council. Let us recall that Russia is the only permanent member of the Security Council listed for grave violations against children in the Secretary-General's report on children and armed conflict and conflict-related sexual violence. In recent days alone, Russian attacks have again shown the human the cost of this aggression. On June 26, a civilian minivan in Nikopol was targeted, killing 2 people and injuring at least 12, including 2 girls. On June 24, a humanitarian demining team from Norwegian People's Aid was targeted in Kherson, killing 2 staff members and injuring several more. We stand in solidarity security with our Allies. Attacks against humanitarian personnel constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. International humanitarian law is universal. It protects all civilians and civilian infrastructure. Let the Council speak on all attacks and all systematic atrocities committed in this— that Russia has been waging by its own choice for the 5th year. Russia deliberately seeks to conceal the consequences of its war, including by restricting journalists and denying full access to international monitors. Russia ranks 172nd out of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the the world for journalists. Latvia would welcome a dedicated discussion on the implementation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Russia itself and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Such a discussion should be based on verified facts and presented by UN briefers, including the OHCHR Special Rapporteur Belarus and the ICRC. Madam President, allow me to address one further point. Belarus has been, and continues to be, a close ally of Russia in this war. Belarus continues to openly support Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine by providing its territory and infrastructure for Russia's attacks. Majority of Belarusian military industrial enterprise— are involved in fulfilling Russian state defense orders. Latvia has consistently advocated and will continue to advocate for stronger sanctions, as well as for holding Belarus accountable. We therefore ask: What is the purpose of this meeting? Is it yet another attempt to fabricate a justification for escalation? We know all too know well the tactics Russia employs by repeatedly manufacturing pretexts for reckless and dangerous actions. Let me stress that there is still no access, only attacks—verbal and physical—against the UN system and independent monitors seeking to establish the facts. In conclusion, Madam President, the defense of Ukraine's sovereignty is a defense of the UN Charter itself. The Charter protects each and every nation in this room from the resurgence of imperial spheres of influence. Russia started this war. Russia can end it. There can be no impunity for aggression, for war crimes, and for crimes against children. I thank you.

Laila. I thank the representative of Latvia Thank you for that statement. I now give the floor to the delegate of the United States. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, ASG Poby, for your briefing today. The United States regrets the loss of any civilian life in the Russia-Ukraine war, and our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones. As others have noted, Ukrainian officials have unequivocally refuted the allegations that were used as a justification for today's today's briefing. Without greater fidelity into these attacks, we caution against incendiary rhetoric, which only risks intensifying and expanding the war. The United States instead calls for urgent de-escalation and a move to immediate ceasefire. President Trump's goal remains achieving a swift and durable end to the war through negotiated settlement. Diplomacy represents the only viable path forward for lasting peace. Thank you.

Gracias. I thank the representative of the United States for that statement. I now give the floor to Liberia for their statement.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Liberia appreciates this urgent briefing and takes note of the information presented by the Assistant Secretary General. We also welcome and recognize the presence and participation of representatives of Belarus and Ukraine. The protection of civilians and critical civilian infrastructure remains a universal and non-negotiable obligation under international law, rather than a selective commitment. Liberia maintains that all noncombatants are entitled to absolute safety safety, regardless of their location across this conflict. Pending independent verification of the reported strike in the Bryansk region, we reiterate our fundamental condemnation of any actions targeting civilian lives, particularly children. Madam President, preventing regional spillover Moreover, requires maximum restraint and strict adherence to the principles of sovereign integrity under the UN Charter, rather than escalatory actions along border regions. International accountability must be driven by independent verification and credible evidence, rather than political contestation. Infidelity to the Charter Rather, this Council must demand that States ensure the strict containment of conflict through diplomatic courage, rather than allow its geographic expansion through retaliatory actions. We must defend the unyielding boundaries of international law before the fluid boundaries of war consume neighboring States. I thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the representative of Liberia for that statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Colombia. I'm grateful to Ms. Mata Assistant Secretary General at the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations for her briefing. I also wish to welcome delegations here present. Colombia takes note of the report received on an incident which occurred on the 17th of June in the Bryansk region. That was an incident in which in which a drone is thought to have struck a vehicle that was transporting civilians, including children. My country expresses its solidarity with the victims and their families and wishes the wounded a swift recovery. At the same time, Colombia notes that investigations into these events are still underway. Against that backdrop, my delegation believes believes it's vital to exercise caution and to allow facts to be fully established. This through objective, impartial, and credible investigations. It is only on the basis of duly established facts that it will be possible to attribute responsibility. Only a few days ago, this Council held its open debate on children and armed conflict. Conflict. On that occasion, we reaffirmed that no child should pay the price of war. Moreover, we recalled that that commitment must translate into stringent compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties under all circumstances. Regrettably, the fact The deaths under consideration today indicate that we are failing on that front. The principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution cannot be applied at will and do not come with waivers or caveats. The protection of the civilian population must remain at the heart of all actions by all parties and cannot be contingent upon the location of an attack, the nationality of the victims, or on who is responsible. It is a legal obligation and a humanitarian imperative that must be upheld under all circumstances. On precisely these grounds, Colombia reiterates the importance of guaranteeing safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access. The presence of the United Nations and humanitarian actors is essential to assist victims, assess needs on the ground, and to offer the Council an objective understanding of the humanitarian consequences of the conflict. Protecting those who provide assistance and allowing them access is also a way of protecting the civilian population. This episode also lays bare a concern which Colombia has consistently voiced: For as long as hostilities continue to rage, the risk of violence continuing to spread and striking more people and more territories remains. Each new incident increases human suffering, entrenches mistrust, and dims the prospects of a lasting peace. Once again, Colombia reiterates its appeal for an immediate ceasefire immediate, definitive, and verifiable ceasefire as the first step to creating conditions which will enable headway to be made with a, a peaceful, negotiated, and sustainable solution in accordance with the United Nations Charter. It is only through dialogue and diplomacy that it will be possible to avoid new civilians, particularly children, continuing to suffer suffer the devastating consequences of this war. Nothing can justify taking life away from human beings. I thank you. I now resume my function as Security Council President, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Belarus. Belarus. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. We thank Colombia for their prompt response to request of the Republic of Belarus to convene this urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, and we are grateful to the delegations who expressed words of support to us. We are grateful to the Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, Miss Pobe, for her briefing. On the 17th of June, 2026, in the Bransk region of Russia, an attack drone struck a civilian bus. The bus was transporting from Rechitsa, Republic of Belarus, to Gelendzhuk, Russian Federation, was transporting 42 Belarus nationals, 22 of whom were children. As a result of the attack, a citizen of Belarus was killed. She died at the site of the attack. We, uh, sincerely mourn the deceased and express condolences to her family and loved ones. 9 people, 6 of whom were children, sustained injuries of varying degrees of severity. Some of the victims sustained serious life-threatening injuries. All citizens, including the injured, under the direct instruction of President Alexander Lukashenko, were immediately evacuated Belarus, where they were received received and are receiving high-quality medical and psychological assistance. And these are just some examples of the conclusions doctors arrived at after they admitted the injured. They saw blast injuries to the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and limbs, shrapnel, blunt, and tangential wounds of the soft tissues of the head and neck, shrapnel, blunt blunt penetrating wounds of the chest, hemothorax, multiple shrapnel wounds of the face, blunt penetrating wound of the abdomen with the liver damage and intra-abdominal bleeding. This alone is sufficient to realize the monstrous scale of the damage inflicted on the life and health of innocent citizens of Belarus, predominantly children. This is a tragedy for dozens of families in Belarus, and this is the kind of loss that it is impossible to make up. This was a deliberate act of violence and aggression directed against the civilian population, against children who were going to rest and engage in athletic activities. Already now, It can be stated with full confidence that the strike on the bus was not the result of accidental or random actions that entailed collateral damage in their wake. The attack was guided and controlled. Such actions constitute a gross violation of the— of international humanitarian law and threaten international peace and security. The Republic of Belarus strongly condemns and calls on the international community to unconditionally condemn this inhuman terrorist act, for which there is no and can be no justification. We call on the United Nations Security Council to provide a comprehensive, exhaustive assessment of this crime. The Office of the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Belarus has initiated criminal proceedings related to the attack. The attack on the bus with children has been classified as a terrorist act. The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Belarus is conducting an investigation during which All circumstances and details of what happened will be established and thoroughly analyzed. Ukraine immediately stated that it was not involved in the attack on the bus. Today, we have evidence enough to be able to responsibly state that the attack on the Belarusian bus was carried out by an attack attack UAV of Ukrainian manufacture. This UAV belongs to the Darts type and is equipped with lethal elements. It has a warhead with an explosive mass of about 1,200 grams in TNT equivalent. Such unmanned aerial vehicles are a development of the Ukrainian group of engineers, uh, their name is Steel Hornets, and they use FPV control technology. During the inspection of the site, objects with markings in Ukrainian were seized. Among such objects is a detonator control unit manufactured at a plant in the city of Shostka in the Sumy region. The detonator itself, as well as the battery, are components also manufactured in Ukraine. UAVs of this type are produced at various Ukrainian enterprises, including under artisanal conditions. The production cost is about $1,000. The main operators of this system on the Ukrainian side are units of the Main Intelligence Directorate, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the various units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The one who carried out the strike on the Belarusian bus acted deliberately and provocatively. Such actions are deliberately aimed at escalating the conflict at drawing Belarus into the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This is an attempt to create a pretext to pit Belarus against Ukraine and involve our country in war. And the price of these actions, unfortunately, is expressed in the life and health of the citizens of Belarus. Here I would like to quote the President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko. I quote, if someone provokes and tries to drag Belarus into war, It will end badly for those who try to do so. End of quote. Belarus does not participate in the armed conflict. Any attempts of exerting pressure or intimidation, ultimatums and threats against Belarus and its leadership are unacceptable. At the same time, we strongly recommend not to test further the patience of the Belarusian the Russian side, and under no circumstances to regard the absence of an immediate strong reaction as a manifestation of weakness, indecision, or cowardice. Public impulsive statements that we have recently heard from the leadership of Ukraine testify only to a desire for further intensification of the conflict, and Belarus is categorically opposed to escalation, calls for diplomacy and negotiation. Negotiations as the only instrument for exiting the conflict. A professional, confidential dialogue between Minsk and Kyiv continues for the purposes of exchanging information and the search for common points. And this dialogue is producing results and it will continue. Suffice it to say that all exchanges of prisoners and the bodies of those who died between the Russian and Ukrainian sides take place with our assistance and on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. All this must be taken into account before making public accusations and staging provocations. Belarus is located at the epicenter of regional confrontation, as has as has been reported, repeatedly reported previously, unmanned aerial vehicles have entered and continue to enter the airspace of Belarus. As a result of UAV crashes, there have been damage on our territory. A war is underway with massive use of drones and electronic warfare means. One of the recent cases is a discovery on the 17th of June, 2022, 26th of a similar drone, identical to the UAV which on the same day carried out the attack on the Belarusian bus in the Bransk region, in the Lecitsy district of the Gomel region of the Republic of Belarus. And the fuselage of the fallen drone was oriented in the northern and northeastern direction of flight, that is, from Ukraine to Russia through Belarus. I deliberately use this specific example because the investigators of the Republic of Belarus have established that the UAV discovered in the Gomel region of Belarus and the UAV used in the attack on the Belarusian bus with children in the Bryansk region of the Russian Federation are equipped with identical components and represent the same type of drones. It has been established that both UAVs in the Bransk region of Russia and in the Gomel region of Belarus as of June 17th, 2026, were within the signal reach for 4 units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine located in the Chernigov and Sumy regions. If Belarus were to request the convening of Security Council meetings for every UAV incident on our territory, then such meetings could be more numerous than the regular monthly meetings on the Council agenda item, Maintenance of International Peace and Security in Ukraine. And in this chamber today, we have already heard and possibly still hear certain provocative statements regarding Belarus. We see no reason in reacting to them once again since the Republic of Belarus has already repeatedly and at all levels provided its detailed public comments. We consider it's absolutely inappropriate to to raise these topics at today's meeting, which is intended to discuss a completely different problem. But today, accusations against Belarus of complicity in the conflict sound especially cynical from states that spend billions of dollars on supplying Ukraine with weapons, training military personnel, shell and transferring intelligence data. It is precisely these countries that are not merely accomplices but direct participants in the war and are doing everything to ensure that the war continues. Madam President, the Republic of Belarus has always consistently advocated and continues to advocate for the strict observance of the norms of international law, protection of the civilian population, especially children who never and under no circumstances should become targets in armed conflicts. Belarus calls for an objective and impartial assessment of the attack carried out on the bus with Belarusian citizens by the international community. Such crimes must not be passed over in silence and the perpetrators must not evade responsibility. I thank you for your attention.

I thank the representative of Belarus for that statement. I now give the floor to Ukraine. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to ASG Pobbe for her briefing. Ukraine is participating in today's meeting with a clear and principled purpose. We will not allow the Russian Federation and its war ally Belarus to use the Security Council to spread false narratives, propaganda, and disinformation, or divert attention from their ongoing aggression and the grave crimes they commit against Ukraine. Let me remind the Council of one essential fact. Since the very first day of Russia's full-scale military invasion on 24 February 2022, 2022. Belarus has been a direct accomplice to this aggression. It provided its territory for the invasion from the north and has continued to support the Russian war effort ever since. Today's meeting is particularly cynical. It was requested by Belarus in relation to an incident that allegedly occurred almost 2 weeks ago on the territory of the Russian Federation. The timing of this request, coupled with its selective focus, only further underscores its political motivation. Madam President, now we will provide the Security Council members with the clear facts on this incident. Ukraine categorically rejects the unfounded allegations made by Belarus and the Russian Federation regarding the alleged attack on a bus in the Bryansk region on 17 June 2022. On that date, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine officially and unequivocally stated that the Defence Forces of Ukraine did not deploy unmanned aerial vehicles against targets in the Bryansk region during the specified timeframe. In exercising its inherent right of self-defence granted by the UN Charter, Ukraine strikes exclusively legitimate military targets and does not conduct operations against civilians. Let me assure you that Ukraine remains fully committed to international humanitarian law and to the protection of civilian lives. The Armed Forces of Ukraine do not conduct combat operations against the civilian population. Moreover, the Security Service of Ukraine has reportedly intercepted an official Russian document indicating the absence of any Ukrainian involvement in the incident involving the bus carrying Belarusian citizens in the Bryansk region of the Russian Federation. This document, an information report issued by the monitoring center of the State Treasury Institution of the Bryansk region, SAFE region, notes that no Ukrainian UAVs were present in the relevant airspace at the time of the incident. Taken together, the allegations put forward by Russia and Belarus are not supported by credible evidence and follow a well-established pattern of disinformation aimed at diverting attention from Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. This incident bears all the hallmarks of a deliberate information provocation involving fabricated accusations and false narratives designed to manipulate public opinion and create artificial pretext for further escalation. The Kremlin has repeatedly employed such tactics, including by staging or misrepresenting alleged attacks civilians in order to deflect attention from its own war crimes and to discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We are particularly concerned that this case appears intended to inflame tensions involving Belarus and to foster hostility towards Ukraine among the Belarusian public. Ukraine has no interest in provoking Belarus or harming Belarusian citizens. It is especially cynical for Russia and Belarus to portray themselves as victim when for years both have acted as aggressors against Ukraine. Moreover, Russia has used the territory of Belarus for military purposes. This included the deployment and operation of communications and signal relay systems, the launch of attack unmanned aerial vehicles, and other military assets supporting its war of aggression against my country. Such actions have drawn Belarus ever deeper into Russia's aggression created additional threats to regional security and further undermined Belarus' sovereignty. Against this backdrop, any claims of peaceful intentions by either Russia or Belarus lack cred— credibility. Ukraine possesses ample and unequivocal evidence of this reality. The Russian Federation, with the support of Belarus, bears full responsibility for this war and for the immense human suffering— caused by its aggression. This is what the Security Council should be addressing today. We urge members of the Security Council to rely on verified facts rather than on propaganda, to reject unsubstantiated accusations, and to remain focused on the root cause of this conflict, which is Russia's imperialistic policy and a total denial of the Ukrainians' right to exist as a sovereign state and to live as an independent nation. Nation. These are causes of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Madam President, the truly urgent issue that warrants the Council's attention is Russia's systematic violation of international humanitarian law through its continued strikes against Ukrainian cities, residential areas, hospitals, schools, and other civilian infrastructure. Over the past week alone, at least 15 regions of Ukraine have come under Russia's attack. In just one week, Russia launched approximately 1,400 attack drones, nearly 1,500 guided aerial bombs, and 19 missiles of various types, including ballistic missiles. And as we speak, these attacks with aerial— guided aerial bombs continue right now against our cities. According to the regular OHCHR report covering first part of 2026 published today, the war caused more civilian deaths and injuries than in the same period of any year since the full-scale invasion, except 2022. I invite the Security Council members to study this report. These are the findings made by the UN mission on the ground, mission that enjoys full access through Ukraine, throughout Ukraine, and cooperation with the Ukrainian government. The situation on the Russian side is completely different. There is no international presence, no verified information, just allegations and fakes like those we are compelled to listen today. Madam President, let us look clearly at the strategic reality of this war. You could see that Russia's deliberate missile and drone terror against Ukraine's civilians is a last resort of the Kremlin's tyrant who faces imminent defeat. Russia has failed to achieve the strategic objectives it set for itself in 2022. It did not take Kyiv. It did not destroy Ukrainian statehood or conquer the country. It failed to halt Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic path. Now, in the 5th year of its full-scale military invasion, Russia has failed to defeat a country supported by the democratic world. A country without assistance from foreign troops on its soil. Yet with remarkable resilience, its own professional army, and international support, which enables us to defend ourselves. Today, Ukraine's positions on the frontline are strong. The Armed Forces of Ukraine constitute one of the largest and most capable militaries in Europe, and the only one with extensive modern and large-scale combat experience. Ukrainian defenders demonstrate their strength every single day. Russian invaders pay a heavy price for the continuous assaults across the frontline, losing over 30,000 soldiers every day. Months. Ukraine's medium and long-range capabilities have already proven their effectiveness. Ukraine effectively defends itself, but our successes in fight against the aggressor do not change our deepest desire for peace. Ukraine remains steadfast in our commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on international law, the UN Charter, full respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and accountability for aggression. We have consistently demonstrated this commitment by putting forward concrete and realistic peace proposals. It is Russia that continues to reject every genuine peace initiative, thereby exposing its true intention to prolong the war rather than end it. Russia seeks to promote its own interpretations of the alleged agreements discussed in Anchorage and Istanbul. But the reality is clear: there would be no awarding of aggressor in violation of the basic norms of international law. No one would be ready to capitulate to Russia's unreasonable and unacceptable demands. This war is the result of a deliberate political decision taken in Moscow. And it can be ended by a political decision. It does not require endless negotiations or working groups. It requires one decision: to cease all hostilities against Ukraine and to withdraw Russian forces from Ukraine's territory within internationally recognized borders. That decision could be taken at any moment. The missiles over Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, the deaths of Ukrainian people of all ages beneath the rubble, all of this could end before this Council meets again. Until that moment, the responsibility for the continuation of war rests solely with the Russian Federation. Ukraine will continue to defend its territory and its people until the restoration of the comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. As Russia demonstrates no willingness for peace, Ukraine's approach remains unchanged. Russia's aggression can only be stopped through strength. This means increased support for Ukraine and increased pressure for the aggressor. First, Ukraine calls on our partners to scale up support for strengthening Ukraine's air defense. This is a concrete, practical step to save civilian lives who are being targeted by Russian missiles, drones, and bombs. Second, Ukraine calls for the expansion and deepening of defense cooperation, including by strengthening the anti-ballistic coalition and investing in Ukraine's long-range capabilities. Strikes against Russian military facilities is not an escalation. It is a necessary necessary step on the path to peace if Russia does not want to end the killings. Third, Ukraine calls for increased military, economic, and political pressure on the aggressor. Sanctions against Russia and its enablers must be strengthened and enforced where they will have the greatest impact. Russia's oil revenues must be reduced, its military-industrial complex constrained, and its access to critical technologies cut off. Fourth, we call for strengthened support for accountability mechanisms, including the work of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and continued investigations into war crimes. Fifth, we call for the use of all available diplomatic and legal instruments to secure the immediate return of unlawfully deported Ukrainian children, illegally detained civilian— civilians, and prisoners of war. The sixth The 1,403,628 square kilometers of Ukraine's territory, as defined by the Constitution of Ukraine, are more than just a number. They are our cities and villages, our people, our history, culture, and future. They are what Ukraine's Armed Forces defend every single day alongside the principles and values enshrined in the fundamental law of our state. The regime in Moscow must understand that brutality and barbarism, as well as their continued spread of propaganda, will not bring it victory. The cost of this war for Russia will only continue to rise. The longer the Kremlin refuses to acknowledge the reality that it will never achieve any of its elusive objectives of dominance over Ukraine, the worse consequences for Russia will become. The only way forward for Russia is to end its war of aggression against Ukraine now. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Ukraine for that statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned. The 10,188th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The agenda is adopted. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of agenda item Members of the Council have before them document S/2026/522. That is the text of a draft resolution submitted by France. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I will now give the floor to members of the Council wishing to issue a statement before the vote. I give the floor to the representative of France. You have the floor.

President, the Council is preparing to vote on a resolution renewing the mandate of the sanctions regime and its group of experts on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These are essential tools to combat violence— and destabilization attributable to armed groups in the east of the country. This regime must be dynamic to remain appropriately tailored to the ever-evolving situation. That is precisely what Council discussions have allowed. The draft resolution creates a new listing criterion targeting armed groups responsible for acts of grave and deliberate obstruction to the implementation of MONUSCO's mandate. The removal of obstructions to MONUSCO's in areas under M23 control is crucial for the proper implementation of the peace agreements, and this Council must ensure that that is indeed what we see. The draft calls for efforts to be made to exhaustively investigate the killings of two members of the Group of Experts in the DRC in 2017. The resolution underlines the mandate of the Group of Experts to document violations of the arms embargo. It also refers to the role of the illegal exploitation of natural resources in financing armed groups, as was recalled by several members of the Council last Friday. Discussions have allowed progress in taking the full measure of other threats, namely that of the ADF terrorist group. We continue to work with Council members in this regard. France thanks all members of the Council for their engagement during negotiations. We count on the Council unanimously supporting the regime in order to continue to actively support the implementation of Resolution 2773 and all of the peace efforts underway. I thank you.

I thank the representative of France for that statement. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. Will those in favor of the draft resolution contained in Document S/2026 6/522, please raise their hand. The result of the voting is as follows: the draft resolution received 15 votes in in favor. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as Resolution 2825 of 2026. I will now give the floor to council members wishing to make a statement after the vote. I give the the floor to the representative of Liberia.

You have the floor. Thank you, Madam President. I have the honor to deliver this explanation of vote on behalf of the A3, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and my own country, Liberia. We thank the pen holder and all Council members for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiations. The A3 voted in favor of the resolution renewing the sanctions regime concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The A3 remains concerned by the continued activities of armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the M23 and the Allied Democratic Forces, the ADF. We are particularly concerned by indications that the ADF is gaining momentum and continuing to carry out terrorist attacks against civilians. These developments underscore the urgent need for sustained efforts to restore security and protect civilians. The AU/3 also welcomes that the resolution reaffirms that the sanctions measures no longer apply to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This reflects the Council's recognition of the government's primary responsibility for ensuring the security of its people and its sovereign right to strengthen its national security institutions. The E3 remains committed to supporting lasting peace, security, and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I thank you for your kindness.

Attention. I thank the representative of Liberia for that statement, and I now give the floor to the delegate of the United States. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. The United States welcomes the extension of the UN DRC sanctions regime for another year. Our renewal today of the group of experts mandate, as well as the arms embargo, travel ban, asset freeze measures, are all an important step to advancing our collective goal of peace in Eastern DRC. We particularly welcome the resolution's reference to natural resource exploitation. Illicit mineral extraction fuels conflict in the DRC. The Group of Experts reporting is vital to tracing these illicit activities and identifying those actively involved. If the committee is serious about addressing contributing factors to conflict, it is critical that we pursue those trafficking conflict minerals. We also appreciate the Secretary General's continued commitment to support justice efforts on behalf of Michael Sharp and Zeyda Catalan. We welcome recent developments in the the DRC to hold key individuals to account. We echo the call in the resolution to continue efforts to bring everyone, including those involved in the planning, directing, or sponsoring of these killings, to justice. We continue to monitor progress closely. Finally, we welcome the inclusion of a new listing criterion that allows the Council to designate entities that obstruct the implementation of MINUSCO's mandate, a meaningful step towards strengthening accountability. The United States remains committed to a robust and credible DRC sanctions regime, one that reflects ground realities, protects civilians, and promotes accountability for those who perpetuate violence and instability in the region. Thank you.

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

You have the Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Xi Jinping: China welcomes the Security Council's unanimous adoption of the resolution renewing sanction measures such as arms embargo against the non-governmental armed groups in DRC. China voted in favor of the draft resolution and thanks France, the penholder, and other members in the Council for their efforts. The protracted conflicts in Eastern DRC have subjected innocent civilians to severe casualties and displacement. Massive illicit inflow of weapons has escalated conflicts and confrontations, threatening regional security and stability. China expresses its deep concerns. We call on all parties to strictly comply with the arms embargo adopted by the Council, prevent weapons from falling into the hands of non-governmental armed groups, keep promoting the implementation of Council Resolution 2773, and jointly play a constructive role in achieving cessation of hostilities in Eastern DRC. Illicit exploitation and smuggling of natural resources in Eastern DRC are key drivers of conflicts which the international community must handle properly when addressing the situation in Eastern DRC. That said, it must also be noted that the conflicts in Eastern DRC have many complex underlying factors such as history, security, development, governance, and ethnicity, to name a few. The international community must therefore take comprehensive measures covering multiple dimensions and should refrain from attributing the conflicts in Eastern DRC solely to illicit use of natural resources. Africa is a grand stage for international cooperation, not an arena for the rivalry of big powers. Major powers outside the region should not take natural resources as a bargaining chip in geopolitical competition. Rather, they should stay committed to open and inclusive cooperation to bring the local population the real benefits of natural resources. As a good friend of DRC and regional countries at large, China will firmly support DRC in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, promote de-escalation in Eastern DRC, help regional countries enhance their capacity for nationally-owned development, and make greater contribution to the peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region. Thank you.

I thank the representative of China for that statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.