The UN Security Council met today to discuss the situation in Ukraine. Russia's military aggression against its neighbor continues unabated. The onset of winter brings an additional hardship to the suffering civilian population. Ongoing Russian attacks on critical infrastructure are exacerbating the precarious humanitarian situation. They are causing power, heating and water outages, which are particularly vital in winter. Humanitarian organisations are working tirelessly to provide relief. The lack of humanitarian access to Ukrainian areas under Russian control remains a concern.
Against this backdrop, Switzerland emphasised in the Security Council the urgent need to step up humanitarian measures on which almost 18 million people depend. These measures should ensure the supply of electricity and heat. Switzerland also reiterated its call for compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of the civilian population. It also emphasised the special protection of medical personnel and facilities. Since February 24 2022, at least 10,000 civilians have lost their lives and more than 18,500 have been injured in Ukraine. The ongoing Russian airstrikes, which do not stop at residential buildings, schools, hospitals and other civilian facilities throughout the country, are further increasing these figures. Furthermore, Switzerland stressed in the Council that food security in Ukraine must be strengthened, as food security in many parts of the world also depends on it. In this context, Switzerland reiterated its support for the efforts of the UN and other actors to facilitate grain exports from Ukraine.
President Alain Berset's visit to Kyiv ten days ago to attend an international summit on global food security emphasised Switzerland's continued solidarity with Ukrainian citizens. As part of its humanitarian activities, Switzerland will continue to provide winter aid to the Ukrainian civilian population and will be strongly involved in humanitarian demining in the country.
Statement by Switzerland on the situation in Ukraine, UN Security Council, 06.12.2023
