Russia is weaponising winter against Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE
Russia’s systematic targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter appears to follow a clear pattern aimed at undermining Ukraine's resilience.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Once again and for the fourth year in a row, Russia is weaponising Winter against Ukraine. Russia’s systematic targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter appears to follow a clear pattern aimed at undermining civil resilience.
Each month Russia sets new, and unwanted, records. In October, Russia launched its largest coordinated strike of the war on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, firing 35 missiles and 60 drones at Naftogaz gas facilities in Kharkiv and Poltava, causing critical damage and disrupting operations. Russian forces also damaged a major energy facility in Zaporizhzhia, cutting power to thousands, and targeted gas transportation infrastructure in Lviv, killing four civilians.
Madam Chair, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that “continued attacks on energy infrastructure will severely impact civilian access to essential services this winter.”
Other independent assessments, including the REACH Cold Spots Risk Assessment, confirm that repeated strikes on energy facilities create “critical vulnerabilities” for households, particularly in eastern and southern Ukraine, where repair capacity is limited.
The OSCE’s Code of Conduct reiterates the need for us all to ensure that our Armed Forces comply with international law. And yet, the OSCE Moscow Mechanisms, ODIHR and UN, continue to report on mounting independent evidence of Russia violating international law, including international humanitarian law.
Destroying energy infrastructure ahead of winter, affects the most vulnerable civilians in society, and risks individuals freezing to death in their own homes and being denied access to essential services. The facts are stark and simple. Under international law, deliberately targeting civilians is illegal. Under international law, Russia’s invasion is illegal. Under international law, Ukraine has a right to defend itself. And the UK will stand with Ukraine as it defends itself– today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes.
We once again call on Russia to cease these attacks immediately, end its illegal war and to return to full compliance with international law.
Thank you, Madam Chair.