Ukraine: The number of victims and the threat of a nuclear incident are increasing

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas declared this Wednesday at the Security Council that over the past 30 months, “millions of Ukrainians have witnessed unimaginable death, devastation and destruction.”

Furthermore, July was the deadliest month for Ukraine’s civilian population in almost two years: at least 219 civilians were killed and 1,018 injured.

Miroslav Jenča reiterated the call of the Secretary General that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must cease immediately. “We urge all parties to act responsibly and ensure their protection.”

According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rightssince 24 February 2022, 11,662 civilians have been killed, 639 of them children. 24,207 civilians have been injured, 1,577 of them children.

The numbers are on the rise

“Tragically, these numbers are only increasing as missiles, shells and drones continue to hit cities, towns and villages across Ukraine on a daily basis,” Jenča said.

The official expressed concern about the impact of the spread of fighting on the civilian population on both sides of the border between Ukraine and Russia.

He also referred to an attack on a hotel in the city of Kramatorsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region that killed a Reuters employee and injured four journalists.

“Similar attacks have been reported against hotels, restaurants, markets and commercial areas in communities located on the frontline,” Jenča said, reiterating that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are “unacceptable” and prohibited under international humanitarian law.

Threat of nuclear incidents

Jenča referred to the reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which indicate the deterioration of the safety situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

On August 17, a drone attacked the road surrounding the perimeter of the plant. On August 11, a major fire in one of the cooling towers caused considerable damage.

The IAEA team has also reported regular intense military activity near the plant.

Russia also reported that drone debris had been found on the territory of the Kursk nuclear power plant on August 22.

In this regard, Jenča said that they continue to call for “maximum restraint and vigilance” to avoid a nuclear incident, the consequences of which “could be catastrophic for the region and the world.”

Humanitarian aid must reach those who need it

Jenča reiterated that humanitarian operations in some areas are unable to reach people in need to provide them with healthcare and medicine, food and drinking water.

This already dire situation is expected to worsen as hostilities show no signs of abating and winter approaches.

Finally, the Deputy Secretary-General referred to the Future Summit, which will bring together world leaders. “We hope that it will contribute to enhancing global collaboration at a time when it is most urgently needed. And we hope that these efforts will also bring us closer to laying the foundations for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine,” he added.