Ukraine seeking emergency UNSC meeting following Russian attacks

In the wake of Russia's latest attacks, Ukraine is seeking an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and is also initiating responses through the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and UNESCO.

According to Ukrinform, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced the move on X.

"Following horrific Russian attacks against Ukraine that caused a particularly severe damage, we request an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. We are also initiating responses within the framework of the OSCE, CoE, and UNESCO,” the minister wrote.

Sybiha recalled that Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and other cities came under heavy attack, resulting in the deaths of innocent civilians, injuries to children, and the loss of brave first responders who were killed in a cynical secondary strike targeting the site of an earlier attack. Residential buildings and cultural heritage sites sustained extensive damage, including the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, he added.

"By attacking our people, our cities, and our cultural and religious heritage, Russia demonstrates utter contempt for international law and the principles the United Nations was created to defend," the minister stressed.

He noted that as Russia continues to intensify its attacks and undermine all efforts aimed at achieving peace, a strong and united international response is essential to increase pressure on the aggressor and ensure accountability.

"We are grateful to our partners for their solidarity and continued support as Ukraine defends its people, its heritage, and the principles of the UN Charter," Sybiha emphasized.

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As reported by Ukrinform, the massive Russian attack on June 15 damaged a UNESCO World Heritage site, nationally significant monuments, museums, cultural institutions, and arts education facilities in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro.

Ukraine's air defense forces neutralized 50 missiles and 582 drones launched by Russian forces during the attack that began in the evening of June 14. Kyiv was the primary target of the strike.