Ukraine Calls Emergency UN and OSCE Meetings Following Russian Strikes

Urgent International Organization Meetings Convened

According to Главком: In response to renewed Russian attacks, Ukraine has requested urgent sessions of the UN Security Council, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and UNESCO. The cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro were recently targeted. These strikes resulted in civilian casualties, including children, as well as the deaths of rescue workers who perished in a follow-up attack on the same location.

Damage from the Attacks

The assaults caused extensive damage to residential buildings and historical heritage sites. Notably, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was hit. A direct strike on the monastery sparked a fire on the roof of its Dormition Cathedral, forcing the evacuation of sacred relics and liturgical items.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated: 'Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and other cities have suffered heavy attacks. Civilians were killed, children were wounded, and brave rescuers lost their lives due to a cynical second strike on the attack site. Residential buildings and historical heritage sites, including the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra – a UNESCO World Heritage site – sustained massive damage.'

On June 15, Andrii Sybiha participated online in a session of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, where he briefed members on the consequences of the strikes. According to reports, at least four people were killed and nearly 30 wounded during the attack on Kyiv. The information and education department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church issued a statement regarding the strike on the Dormition Cathedral.

Former Defense Minister Anatoliy Hrytsenko publicly criticized the statement made by the Lavra's abbot, Bishop Avraamiy. Andrii Sybiha also underscored the need for continued international support, declaring: 'As Russia continues to escalate its attacks and undermine all efforts aimed at achieving peace, a strong and unified international response is critical to increasing pressure on the aggressor and ensuring its accountability.'

Ukraine has expressed gratitude to its partners for their solidarity and unwavering support in protecting people, heritage, and the principles of the UN Charter.

These events highlight the severity of the situation in Ukraine and the urgent need for an international response to ongoing aggression. Attacks on civilian infrastructure, including cultural landmarks, threaten not only human lives but also the country’s cultural heritage. It is essential that the international community continues to stand with Ukraine in its fight for security and the preservation of its identity.

In light of the recent escalation, the situation in Kyiv has become increasingly dire, with reports indicating that a night strike left 81 individuals injured. This has prompted Ukraine to urge the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session to address the ongoing crisis. For further details on the impact of these strikes and the international response, read more about the situation in our related article regarding the injuries sustained during the Kyiv attack.