Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Belarus.
Any loss of civilian life is a tragedy.
We are saddened by reports of the incident on 17 June involving a bus carrying Belarusian civilians in Bryansk, Russia.
Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured.
Civilians must never bear the consequences of conflict, and children must always be protected.
At present, we are not aware of any independent verification of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
We note that Ukraine has publicly denied any claims that a Ukrinaian drone struck the bus.
What we do know is that if Russia truly wished to protect civilians, it would agree to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire.
According to OCHA, over 16,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since Russia launched its war of choice on 24 February 2022.
None of this would be happening had Russia not launched its illegal full-scale invasion against Ukraine.
President, the United Kingdom's position is consistent and clear: all allegations of civilian harm should be taken seriously, wherever they occur.
The protection of civilians remains a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law.
We made that same point when this Council met last week following reports of civilian casualties resulting from recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities.
We reiterate it today.
Children have been particularly affected.
The UN has reported that at least 796 children have been killed in Ukriane and a further 2,835 injured since the start of Russia's war, bringing the total number of child casualties to 3,631.
In Ukraine, children's homes, schools, and hospitals have been damaged and destroyed.
Russia has targeted the electricity infrastructure that heats their houses in winter, it has disrupted their education, and its attacks have displaced families across Ukraine and beyond.
We should all strive to prevent further civilian suffering.
Russia could do so immediately.
Ukraine has time and again reiterated its commitment to a ceasefire.
We call on Russia also to commit to a ceasefire, to engage meaningfully in peace talks, and to end its illegal war against Ukraine.
