UN official highlights rising casualties in Ukraine war, growing threat of ‘nuclear incident’
Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General in the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, said last month was particularly deadly for Ukrainian civilians, with at least 219 people killed and more than 1,000 injured.
As of February 24, 2022 – the day of the full-scale Russian invasion, the UN human rights office, OHCHRHave has been recorded 11,662 civilians were killed and 24,207 were injured. The actual number may be higher.
“Sadly, These numbers are only going to increase.as rockets, artillery shells and drones continue to hit cities, towns and villages across Ukraine on a daily basis,” said Mr. Jenča.
Fighting on Russian soil
He also voiced concerns about the impact of the spread of war against civilians in the Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions of Russia.
According to local Russian officials, at least 12 people have been killed and 121 others injured since Ukraine began its offensive in the Kursk region on August 6. More than 130,000 people are believed to have been evacuated from the area.
Mr. Jenča reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s condemnation of attacks on civilians and infrastructure, regardless of where they occur.
“These attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law. They must stop immediately. We call on all parties to act responsibly and ensure the protection of civilians.”
Nuclear safety concerns
Senior UN officials continue to express concern about reported incidents around nuclear facilities in Ukraine and Russia, in particular nuclear safety decline Situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
On August 17, a drone attack occurred on the road surrounding the power plant area. This incident followed a major fire at one of the cooling towers on August 11, which caused significant damage.
Concerns about nuclear safety and security in Russia’s Kursk region are also growing, Mr. Jenča added.
On August 22, Russia reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency (International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)) The wreckage of a drone was found on the territory of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.
“We continue to call for maximum restraint and vigilance to avoid a nuclear accident.The consequences could be catastrophic for the region and the world,” he urged.
Humanitarian situation
Mr. Jenča also highlighted the severe impact of the humanitarian crisis, especially on women, who make up 56 percent of the 15 million people in need of assistance in Ukraine.
“In frontline areas, especially in eastern and southern Ukraine, entire villages and towns have been partially or completely destroyed,” he said, adding, “humanitarian operations in some areas are unable to reach people in need.”
This year, the United Nations and humanitarian partners aim to reach 8.5 million people with life-saving assistance, including over winter.
However, the response has been limited, with only 41 percent of the $3.1 billion needed according to Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan received so far.
