United Nations warns of escalating air attacks in Ukraine and calls for immediate ceasefire

New York, July 28 (KUNA) -- The United Nations warned of escalating aerial attacks in Ukraine, emphasizing that the past weeks have seen a rise in civilian casualties and increased targeting of residential areas and critical infrastructure. It called on all parties to resume dialogue and reach an immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional ceasefire.

This came during a briefing delivered yesterday evening, Monday, by Kayoko Goto, Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division of the UN Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, at a session of the UN Security Council convened at Ukraine’s request following recent Russian attacks on the capital, Kyiv, and other areas.

Goto stated that more than 170 civilians were killed and 1,028 others injured in recent attacks, noting that shelling hit residential buildings, playgrounds, fuel stations, markets, and logistics warehouses. She added that Kyiv continues to face relentless attacks alongside areas along the front lines.

She further noted that the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented at least 16,431 civilian deaths, including 803 children, and 48,613 injuries, including 2,960 children, since the start of the Russian military operation.

The UN reiterated its condemnation of attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, stressing that such acts are “unacceptable and unjustifiable and must stop immediately.”

On the economic front, Goto explained that the war continues to affect global energy and food supplies, warning that intensifying attacks on ports, cargo ships, and agricultural infrastructure in Ukraine threatens the harvest season and heightens risks to global food security.

She added that Ukraine has expanded its own attacks on Russian maritime logistics and oil tankers, cautioning that further disruptions in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov could lead to higher shipping, insurance, food, and energy costs, negatively impacting developing countries reliant on imports.

Regarding nuclear issues, she pointed out that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported a second consecutive loss of external power sources at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant since the war began. She emphasized that any military actions threatening the safety of nuclear facilities are unacceptable and irresponsible.

Goto concluded by reiterating the UN’s call for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and resume comprehensive negotiations aimed at de-escalation and achieving an immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional ceasefire. (End) E.S.T. / M.N.F.