More than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, "the violence is worse than ever" and far from abating, the head of UN political and peacebuilding affairs said on Monday in a briefing to the Security Council.
Rosemary DiCarlo described the conflict as "nearly 1,500 days of death, destruction and despair" and reiterated the UN's long-standing call for a ceasefire.
Since the war began, 15,364 civilians have been killed, including 775 children, and more than 42,000 others injured, though actual numbers are likely to be higher.
"The suffering and destruction caused by the war in Ukraine can never be justified. The longer the war exists, the deadlier it becomes, with growing risks to regional and international security," she said.
Rising death toll, energy sector hit
Ms. DiCarlo reported that at least 188 civilians were killed in February, and 757 injured - a 45 per cent increase over the same period last year.
Attacks have continued this month, including deadly assaults in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Donestk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, while reports point to an increase in strikes targeting railroads and other transport infrastructure.
"Over the winter, damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure brought the country's energy grid to the brink of total collapse," she told ambassadors.
Some 60 per cent of gas production capacity has been destroyed and all power stations are damaged, according to the authorities, which has caused persistent disruption in electricity, heating and water supply across the country.
In the southern city of Odesa, energy, industrial and port infrastructure have been damaged. The latest attack took place on 19 March when drones hit apartment buildings. Four people were reportedly injured.
Ukrainian drone attacks
Meanwhile, Russia has reported Ukrainian attacks that have impacted civilians and civilian infrastructure in its territory.
They include the largest drone attack targeting the capital, Moscow, to date, which occurred over the weekend from 14 to 16 March when at least 250 drones were reportedly shot down. No civilian casualties were reported.
"In Russian regions bordering Ukraine - Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk, as well as the southern Krasnodar region - local officials have reported civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure from alleged strikes," she said, although the UN is unable to verify these reports.
Nuclear risks
At the same time, military activity near Ukraine's nuclear sites continues "with potentially devastating consequences" and recent developments also underscore the serious regional impact of the war.
"Damage to the Novodnistrovsk hydroelectric plant in the south of Ukraine on 7 March led to an oil spill and widespread water pollution of the Nistru River in neighbouring Moldova," she said.
The crisis prompted "a 15-day environmental alert," among other impacts. Furthermore, Moldavan airspace has repeatedly been violated by drones, according to officials.
US diplomatic efforts welcomed
Before concluding her remarks, Ms. DiCarlo underscored that a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire is imperative. She welcomed diplomatic efforts led by the United States over the past year to advance peace.
"As the most significant initiative to date to help restore momentum towards a peaceful resolution, these efforts require sustained commitment and support," she said.
She stressed that "the aim must be a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with the UN Charter , international law and relevant UN resolutions," while Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity must be upheld.
'Sustained pattern'
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, who also briefed the Council, warned against the rising bloodshed and the strikes on energy and other vital infrastructure.
"These attacks reflect a sustained pattern of damage to the systems on which civilians depend to survive, with humanitarian aid increasingly stepping in to fill the gaps left by the deterioration of essential services," he said.
He noted that the conflict "is increasingly characterised by the use of advanced technologies" and called for an investigation into the 20 March drone strike on a national non-governmental organization (NGO). The humanitarians were evacuating older people in Donetsk oblast when their clearly marked van came under fire, killing two women and injuring two evacuees.
Support humanitarians
Mr. Fletcher also reported positive news, including that the UN and partners reached nearly one million people in January, providing food, cash assistance, medical care, shelter and protection.
He ended by making three "asks" to the Council, urging members to insist that international law must be upheld to protect civilians and the infrastructure they rely on.
The Council must also ensure rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all civilians in need.
His third request was for greater financial support for the $2 billion humanitarian plan to assist 3.6 million people this year.
"Nearly three quarters of that plan is still unfunded, so please fund the response so that we can deliver life-saving aid at the scale and the speed needed," he said.
