The United Nations has stated that Russia's intensifying strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure put the lives of millions of people at risk ahead of the winter season. This was announced at a UN Security Council meeting by Kayoko Goto, Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division at the UN Department of Political Affairs. According to her, the consequences of attacks on energy facilities are becoming increasingly severe, affecting basic population needs ranging from electricity to water supply and transport.
Scale of Infrastructure Damage
As Goto noted, between October 30 and November 2, damage to energy infrastructure left hundreds of thousands of households without electricity, in some regions for several consecutive days. Power outages led to disruptions in water supply and the suspension of public transport. The UN is particularly concerned by reports that over the past weekend alone, attacks in eastern Ukraine left another roughly 600,000 citizens without light.
Threat to Nuclear Safety
A separate point of the statement focused on strikes targeting substations at Ukrainian nuclear power plants. The UN emphasized that such attacks threaten the safe operation of nuclear facilities, which, according to the organization's assessment, creates risks extending beyond national borders. It is this aspect, the political department representative said, that causes particular concern for the UN Secretariat.
Civilian Casualties
The UN representative also pointed to a sharp increase in civilian casualties in September. According to the data provided, 17,960 civilians, including 874 children, have been killed in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion, while at least 57,713 people have been injured. These figures were cited as a basis for calling for de-escalation and the protection of the civilian population.
Call for Ceasefire and Negotiations
Kayoko Goto stressed the need to achieve progress within the framework of planned trilateral negotiations and the implementation of the organization's decisions. "The UN Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire as an important step towards a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, in particular the UN Charter and relevant resolutions," she stated at the Security Council meeting.
Situation as of November 9
On the eve, November 9, fresh strikes on Ukraine's energy sector caused blackouts across 12 regions. According to available information, the most extensive damage was recorded in the Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv regions. The statement at the Security Council came amid ongoing attacks and a deteriorating humanitarian situation ahead of the heating season.
