GENEVA — 

The ambassador of Ukraine to the United Nations in Geneva, Yevheniia Filipenko, cautioned on Monday that the unprovoked and unjustified invasion by Russia of Ukraine two years ago presents a significant danger to multilateralism and the principles of the U.N. Charter. These principles uphold the importance of following the law and protecting fundamental freedoms worldwide.

Before this somber milestone, Filipenko informed reporters that Russia’s hostile actions towards her nation actually commenced a decade ago when they tried to seize and control Ukraine’s land, including the self-governing Republic of Crimea.

She stated that if Russia’s aggressive actions are not addressed, it will result in more breaches. She emphasized the importance of global unity in responding to this significant danger to the principles of multilateralism, the U.N. Charter, and international law.

Filipenko announced that Ukraine intends to bring global focus to the consistent and severe infringements of human rights and basic liberties by Russia in Ukraine during the upcoming six-week session of the U.N. Human Rights Council, starting next Monday.

She stated that her group would focus on the frequent, unselective assaults on civilian structures in Ukraine, which are happening almost every day. She pointed out that numerous missiles are being launched at Ukrainian cities with the sole intent of annihilating the nation and its inhabitants.

She stated that Russia will never be victorious because our battle is for Ukraine’s independence as a country, as well as for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every member state in the United Nations.

According to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), since the beginning of the war, over 10,000 civilians have lost their lives and over 18,000 have been wounded. Furthermore, 3.6 million individuals are now displaced within Ukraine and an additional 6.3 million have sought refuge in other nations.

The World Health Organization has confirmed 1,552 instances of violence against healthcare systems, which includes attacks on facilities, ambulances, workers, and providers.

According to Filipenko, Russia has decimated 40% of Ukraine’s economy and has placed landmines on 33% of its land, resulting in Ukraine being one of the most heavily mined areas globally.

According to a report published on February 15 by the Ukrainian government, the World Bank Group, the European Commission, and the United Nations, the estimated cost for reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine is $486 billion over the next ten years. This is an increase from the previous estimate of $411 billion made a year ago.

A study conducted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reveals that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is causing significant financial and psychological strain on civilians both within and outside the affected region.

Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, IFRC’s regional director for Europe, remarked on Friday from Budapest that the pressing demands are increasing and becoming more difficult for all Ukrainians, whether they reside near the front lines of Ukraine, have been displaced within the country, or have been compelled to seek refuge in other nations.

According to her, the study of 10,000 individuals revealed that over 50% of Ukrainians, both within Ukraine and throughout Europe, are facing financial struggles. This has resulted in a rise in debt and has forced many people to take on jobs that are not only low-paying, but also hazardous.

According to Ebbesen, approximately 33% of Ukrainians living in neighboring countries have had to take out loans in order to cover their expenses. Some households have had to allocate more than 20% of their income towards paying off their debts.

She cautioned that numerous individuals, both in and outside of Ukraine, have had to begin anew with nothing. This is particularly challenging for marginalized populations, such as the elderly, who face even greater difficulties due to their isolation and limited access to necessary resources and sources of income.

Ebbesen cautioned that the steep rise in inflation and economic ambiguity have drained individuals’ savings, causing them to accumulate more debt. This poses a threat of creating an unpredictable future for millions of people.

Meanwhile, Filipenko, who is knowledgeable about the dire situation facing her nation, stated to reporters, “We will not allow ourselves to be targets of Russian aggression. Our administration is diligently striving to sustain our economy.”

According to her, Russia’s consistent attacks on Ukraine demonstrate its unwillingness to engage in peace talks.

She stated that their sole goal is to eliminate, and mentioned that discussions will occur once Russian forces fully and unconditionally withdraw from all of our land.

Despite recognizing the challenge in reaching such an outcome, the Ukrainian ambassador maintained her defiance in her reply.

She stated that the degree of devastation and pain caused by Russia to Ukraine every day is incomprehensible to humans.

However, enduring this hardship strengthens our resolve and resilience in our efforts to oppose and overcome Russia, reclaim our territory, and uphold the principles of the U.N. Charter.

Source: voanews.com