Ukraine: War is reported to be increasingly affecting civilians - DPPA Briefing | United Nations

Briefing by Kayoko Gotoh, Officer-in-Charge of Europe, Central Asia and Americas Division, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine. ----------------------------- The UN political affairs official Kayoko Gotoh reiterated the Secretary-General’s repeated call for “a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as a first step towards a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in Ukraine.” Kayoko Gotoh at the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations spoke to the Council on the situation in Ukraine. She noted that, at least 26 people, including three children, were reportedly killed in a Russian drone and missile attack on the western city of Ternopil. Dozens more, including children, were reportedly injured. Many remain missing under the rubble. She highlighted that this was one of the war’s deadliest strikes on civilians. Gotoh also noted that the war is reported to be increasingly affecting civilian populations inside the Russian Federation, too. According to Russian authorities, in 2025 Ukrainian drone strikes have killed 392 people, including 22 children, in the Russian Federation and in the areas of Ukraine occupied by the Russian Federation. She told the Council that the United Nations is not in a position to verify or confirm these reports and figures. The past months have once again highlighted the fragility of nuclear safety and security during an active war, the UN official told the Council. She said, “We commend the work of the IAEA and continue to urge the sides to act responsibly.” “Any nuclear incident would have unimaginable consequences not only for Ukraine and the Russian Federation, but far beyond. Such risk must be avoided at all costs,” Gotoh reiterated. The UN official also said that the international community is encouraged by the resumption of diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire and a search for lasting peace earlier this year. Nearly four years into this war, as the attacks escalate and casualties grow, and calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire increase, such efforts are even more critical, she said. Gotoh urged “concerted and inclusive diplomatic efforts resulting in tangible progress towards a just and lasting peace. The alternative is to risk letting the war prolong, expand and escalate further to even more dangerous levels.”


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