More than 50 partner countries condemned Russia’s Saturday attack on Ukraine at the UN, warning that Moscow had reached “a new and appalling level of aggression” by intensifying strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The joint statement was delivered on Tuesday by Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Andrii Melnyk, on behalf of Ukraine, the European Union and a broad group of allied states including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Germany, France, Poland, the Baltic states and others.
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The statement followed a massive overnight barrage on May 23-24, when Russian forces launched hundreds of aerial weapons, including ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, against Ukrainian cities and regions.
“For the city of Kyiv, this was one of the most devastating attacks recorded to date,” the statement said, adding that many other regions were also severely affected and that civilians were killed and injured across Ukraine.
A central focus of the statement was Russia’s use of an Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile against the city of Bila Tserkva.
The coalition said the Oreshnik system is specifically designed to carry nuclear warheads, warning that Russia’s repeated use of nuclear-capable missiles constituted an “unacceptable escalation.”
The countries strongly condemned Russia’s escalating attacks, saying strikes on civilians, civilian objects and Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure were grave violations of international humanitarian law and must stop immediately.
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Foreign Minister Sybiha condemned Russian FM Lavrov’s reported warning to US Secretary of State Rubio about future strikes on Kyiv, calling it a “brazen provocation” and proof that Moscow wants to continue the war. Sybiha urged Ukraine’s partners to respond with stronger pressure and additional military aid instead of reacting to Russian threats with evacuations or cautionary measures.
The coalition also condemned recent Russian threats against diplomatic institutions and embassies in Kyiv.
“This is something that we cannot accept,” Melnyk said.
The statement called for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, as well as urgent humanitarian measures, including the complete exchange of prisoners of war, the release of all unlawfully detained persons, and the safe return of civilians forcibly transferred or deported by Russia.
Ambassador Melnyk also highlighted the need to secure the return of thousands of Ukrainian children deported or forcibly transferred by Russia.
“These steps are essential confidence-building measures for advancing meaningful peace efforts,” the statement said.
The coalition reiterated that Russia’s war against Ukraine is a grave and continuing violation of the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. It demanded the full, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian forces and military equipment from Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory.
The countries also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and said Russia’s attempted annexation of Ukrainian territories is “null and void” under international law.
They further pledged to ensure full accountability for crimes committed under international law, saying all those responsible must be held to account.
The statement welcomed efforts by the United States, European countries and other UN member states to bring the war to an end, while stressing that any peace must be comprehensive, just and lasting, and consistent with the UN Charter.