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Colleagues,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

Let me thank you, Director Wosornu, for convening us today. What we heard from Ambassador Kyslytsya, and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Schmale is nothing less than alarming.

Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU together with its Member States has mobilized more than EUR 3.5 billion for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine. This year alone, the European Commission allocated EUR 165 million to the 14.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, over 152 000 tonnes of in-kind assistance have been channelled to Ukraine from all EU Member States and participating states.

Russia is clearly attempting to pile the pressure on the Ukrainian people ahead of a freezing winter. As we speak, Russia continues its relentless attacks on the energy infrastructure of Ukraine, which has lost up to 70% of its pre-war electricity production capacity. These actions to destroy Ukraine’s civilian electricity, heat-producing and transmission infrastructure are a clear violation of fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.

We remain focused on preparing for a harsh and grinding winter. Since July 2024, the European Commission has made an additional EUR 100 million in humanitarian assistance for Ukraine available. The large majority of these funds is aimed at winterisation assistance for the most vulnerable. Together with our humanitarian partners, the EU addresses the heightened humanitarian needs posed by winter conditions in sectors such as shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene, using cash as the preferred modality of intervention to provide a dignified form of assistance.

Humanitarian access to the territories under temporary Russian control remains virtually impossible. The EU fully supports efforts by the United Nations to engage in negotiations with all parties to provide full, safe, unhindered, and durable humanitarian access throughout the country.    

Let me also thank Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Schmale and his entire team and local partners for their hands-on efforts to help Ukraine’s citizens. As you have had the chance to visit many frontline cities, I would appreciate if you could share some impressions from the ground and update us on the UN’s effort to advocate for humanitarian access, as well as the situation with regards to the safety and security of humanitarian workers.

Colleagues,

Allow me to close by reaffirming that the EU will continue to support Ukraine and defend the UN Charter, in response to Russia’s aggression, and will do so for as long as it takes.

I thank you.