As the attacks and hostilities in Ukraine continue, and the situation for civilians has worsened, the Security Council convened for an open briefing today. Slovenia demanded all attacks cease and welcomed the announcement on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea as a step towards a full cessation of hostilities in the Russia-Ukraine war.

As reported by Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya to Council members, “since 24 February 2022, at least 12,881 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and almost 30,500 have been injured.” Moreover, just this February civilian casualties increased by 35 % compared to February last year. Even more distressing is the fact that the vast majority of attacks represent a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

Additionally, Russia is not only attacking civilian targets but also Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ambassador Samuel Žbogar expressed concern over the recent drone strike on the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant protecting shield raising the risk of a major nuclear incident. “Such an event would have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine and the wider region,” he stressed.

Even though the focus of today’s discussion was the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, Council members also touched upon the US-mediated talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Riyadh. Ambassador Žbogar welcomed the efforts by the US to launch Russia-Ukraine peace talks and expressed hope that such efforts, including Black Sea freedom of navigation, will pave the way for a durable ceasefire. Slovenia will continue advocating for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter.

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