I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his presentation.
Switzerland once again condemns the Russian military aggression and underlines the terrible consequences for the civilian population in Ukraine. We call on all parties to the conflict to strictly respect international humanitarian law and human rights. This law applies to all armed conflicts, and we recall it regularly.
We are appalled by the waves of incessant attacks to which the civilian population has been subjected for more than twenty months. We deplore the high number of civilians killed and wounded, which increases with each passing day of this war. We also recall the serious damage caused to civilian property and infrastructure, as well as the interruption of essential services to the population, including water, electricity, heating and telecommunications. This damage is particularly alarming as the winter season approaches.
We echo OCHA's warning about the heavy impact on civilians of ongoing attacks, including this weekend, in southern and central Ukraine, particularly in the cities of Odessa and Kherson. Daily attacks have caused serious damage to energy installations, schools, hospitals and other public services, affecting in particular the regions in the south and east of Ukraine. We also note the reason given by Russia for convening the Council today. [We currently have no independent information on this incident].
Attacks may only be directed against combatants and military objectives. The impact of hostilities on civilians and civilian objects must be taken into account in all military operations. All feasible precautions must be taken to spare them. Disproportionate attacks are prohibited. Furthermore, we call for the humane treatment of all persons hors de combat.
We reiterate our appreciation for the tireless work of humanitarian actors in Ukraine and recall the need to facilitate and guarantee rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Ukraine, including to territories under Russian military control, such as the occupied city of Donetsk. Switzerland does not recognize the integration of Ukrainian territories into the Russian Federation and condemns this serious violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
We once again call on Russia to immediately de-escalate the situation, cease all combat operations and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory without delay.