S/PV.9537 Security Council

The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor to make a statement.

I want to be clear in what I am saying so that the French delegation has no illusions, I will try to voice my statement in French, their native language. (spoke in French) We would like to express our indignation with regard to the biased position of the French presidency on the convening of the emergency Council meeting that we requested. On 24 January a terrible tragedy took place — a Russian plane was downed in a terrorist act by Kyiv, leading to the deaths of all 74 passengers. Most of them were Ukrainian prisoners of war, who were to be exchanged. The Ukrainian military leadership immediately acknowledged its involvement in that terrorist act, even if it quickly retracted itself and is now attempting to pretend that it never happened. We immediately called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council for the same day, 24 January. As is the practice with Council meetings, conscientious presidencies convene such meetings within three hours of the request or a bit later. The Council calendar allowed for the holding of said meeting. The resumption of the open debate on the situation in the Middle East had been scheduled for 3 p.m., and we do certainly are not contesting that, as the terrible situation in Gaza is of the highest importance. In contrast to our Western colleagues, we regularly call for meetings on that topic. Nevertheless, the number of remaining delegations on the list of speakers for the debate on the situation in the Middle East allowed enough time to hold a briefing on the incident regarding our plane immediately thereafter. However, the French presidency categorically refused to do so, deferring the meeting we requested to the latest possible time — the evening of 25 January, the next day. We see in your actions, Mr. President, the same vicious algorithm. Earlier this month, you also postponed as much as possible the holding of the Council meeting we requested on the aggression of the United States and its allies against the sovereign State of Yemen. That meeting was also scheduled with great delay, despite openings in the Council’s working programme, and the meeting was scheduled late in the evening, with a view to suppress as much as possible this troublesome topic for your Euro-Atlantic allies. I will be very frank  — we are deeply dismayed that France, which has always been proud of its great proficiency with the Council’s working methods and has generally proven itself to be quite worthy of that distinction, has sunken to this gross indulgence of its senior NATO colleagues. You, Sir, have even abandoned all appearance of impartiality in the discharge of your duties  — to such a degree that you were commended by the representative of the Kyiv regime. But as a permanent member of the Security Council with a glorious diplomatic history and tradition, did you really need such dubious praise? We regret that French diplomacy, which has previously shown a sovereign approach, did not stand up to the pressure of NATO solidarity, putting the interests of NATO and its puppets, like Kyiv, above its obligations as President of the Security Council, thus seriously undermining its own international reputation. We urge you, Mr. President, to consider whether such a gamble is worth the risk.

I do not want to continue this exchange for too long because we are gathered here today to address an important matter. I would have liked to be able to express myself in the language of Tolstoy, but unfortunately, I do not speak it well enough. I would like to make two points. Yesterday, as President of the Security Council, in the second part of the morning, I received a request for an emergency meeting. The request was for a meeting to be held at 3 p.m. That was how the Russian Federation formulated the request. At that time, the presidency was of the view that the debate on the situation in Gaza should continue, as the Russian representative himself has underlined. As far as I remember, there were around 25 speakers remaining on the list and I thought, given the seriousness of the situation in Gaza, that it was a matter of urgency that Member States should be able to express themselves. The situation in Gaza is also one of urgency. We scheduled the meeting that the Russian representative was asking for in an urgent manner, having carefully checked with the Security Council Affairs Division (SCAD). I also looked at the work of Loraine Sievers and Sam Daws on the matter and found that there are several interpretations. We could organize meetings within three hours but, unfortunately, I was not in the position to do that yesterday. I also could have organized a meeting within 48 hours because, as Ms. Sievers and Mr. Daws explain, an urgent meeting should be held within 48 hours. If we want a meeting to be held within 24 hours, it must be an “emergency” meeting rather than an “urgent” meeting. SCAD generally says “as soon as possible”. Accordingly, I organized this meeting as soon as possible. I also took into account, and I stress this to the Russian representative, not out of a desire to politicize the matter, the need to give the Member States of the Council, in particular elected members who do not necessarily have all the information immediately at hand, a bit more time to inform themselves about the situation and therefore have today a better-informed and more productive meeting. In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Ukraine to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Ms. DiCarlo. Ms. DiCarlo: Yesterday it was reported that a Russian Il-76 military transport plane crashed in the Belgorod region of the Russian Federation, near the border of Ukraine, killing everyone on board. According to Russian authorities, the plane was carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, six Russian crew members and three Russian military personnel. According to Ukrainian authorities, the plane may have been carrying missiles for Russia’s military system. We understand both Russia and Ukraine are conducting separate investigations into the incident, and Ukraine has called for an international probe. The United Nations is not in a position to verify those reports or the circumstances of the crash. What is clear is that the incident took place in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing war. To avoid further escalation, we urge all concerned to refrain from actions, rhetoric or allegations that could further fuel the already dangerous conflict. In one month, we will mark the tragic milestone of two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine  — in blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. And today is already the Security Council’s fourth meeting on Ukraine since the beginning of the year. In recent weeks, the scale and intensity of attacks against Ukraine have only grown, highlighting the dangerous trajectory of the war. Shelling and missile strikes on civilian areas continue to kill and maim civilians and cause massive destruction to critical infrastructure. In total, since February 2022, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has recorded 10,312 civilians killed, including 576 children, and 19,530 more injured, including 1,277 children. Those figures continue to rapidly rise. On 23 January, at least 18 civilians were reportedly killed, and more than 130 injured, in Russian missile strikes across Ukraine. In Kyiv, the latest attacks injured civilians and caused damage to civilian buildings, including those next to the United Nations office. In Kharkiv, 10 civilians were reportedly killed and 66 injured. The city continues to experience repeated air strikes, and the consequences are devastating. The recent month is the most intense in terms of attacks and civilian casualties that the city has experienced since September 2022. Aerial assaults also caused loss and destruction in Dnipro and Odesa. Furthermore, on Sunday, 21 January, 28 civilians were reportedly killed, and 30 injured, in shelling on the Russian-controlled Ukrainian city of Donetsk. Cross- border strikes are also reportedly expanding inside the Russian Federation, reaching beyond the immediate border regions. The Secretary-General has been unambiguous in condemning all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur. They are prohibited under international law and must stop immediately. The recent incident in the Belgorod region, with its claimed link to a planned prisoner exchange, reminds us of the plight of prisoners of war. We remain deeply concerned about their treatment. Since February 2022, the United Nations has interviewed over 280 Ukrainian prisoners of war who returned from Russian captivity. Just in the past week, our colleagues in the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine interviewed 31 prisoners of war who returned in early January. What we hear in those interviews is harrowing. Only very few had been able to communicate with their families during their internment. Over 90 per cent say they were tortured. Many said they did not receive enough food or the medical treatment they urgently needed. We continue to urge the Russian Federation to provide independent international monitors unfettered access to prisoners of war. The parties must fulfil their obligations under the Geneva Conventions, and we commend Ukraine for the progress made in that regard. Earlier this month, we welcomed the latest exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Notwithstanding the circumstances of yesterday’s incident, the fate of prisoners of war should not be instrumentalized. We urge the parties to continue pursuing exchanges of prisoners of war. Families on both sides are waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. The war in Ukraine is a war of choice. Its tragic consequences are clear for all of us to see. The longer it lasts, the more death and destruction it causes, and the more it eats away at the norms agreed to ensure and maintain a peaceful and secure world. The United Nations remains ready to support any meaningful efforts to lay the groundwork for just, lasting and comprehensive peace — in line with the United Nations Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly.

I thank Ms. DiCarlo for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

In order to conclude our procedural exchange with you, Mr. President, let me just briefly highlight that the “work” that you mentioned, despite its significance, plays no role within the Security Council. It is not part of the Charter of the United Nations or of the Security Council’s rules of procedure. It is just a point of reference. We regret that you decided to determine, in our stead, how urgent the meeting is or is not. We are guided by our practice, and our practice shows that, on 30 December, after our request following the previous terrorist act by the Kyiv regime  — the attack on Belgorod  — the Ecuadorian presidency convened a meeting on the same day. That is a behaviour of a responsible presidency. With all due respect, your actions are very disingenuous. We requested an emergency meeting of the Security Council in connection with yet another heinous terrorist act by the Zelenskyy regime. The Armed Forces of Ukraine shot down a Russian Il-76 military transport plane in the Belgorod region. On board were 6 crew members, 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war who were being transported for exchange and 3 accompanying personnel. It was only owing to the valour of the pilots, who until the last moment attempted to steer the plane away from residential buildings, that no one on the ground was injured. All the data that is available to us today indicates that this was a deliberate, premeditated crime. The Ukrainian leadership was perfectly aware of the route and the way the prisoners of war would be transported to the previously agreed location for exchange. The exchange was supposed to take place yesterday, 24 January, in the afternoon. It was not the first such operation, but this time the Kyiv regime, for some inexplicable reason decided to sabotage it in the most barbaric way possible. According to a preliminary investigation, the Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out that terrorist act using an anti-aircraft missile system. The missiles were launched from the village of Lyptsi in the Kharkiv region. There are many indicators that those could have been either American-made Patriot missiles or German- made IRIS-T missiles. If confirmed, then the Western suppliers of that weaponry will become complicit in that crime, just as they are complicit when Western weaponry is used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to shell of residential neighbourhoods in Russian cities. Those heinous acts by the Zelenskyy regime  — providing it has any control over its combatants — once again showed that it is incapable of negotiations and its inhumane nature. Everyone in Ukraine is aware that Kyiv is ready to sacrifice any number of its own citizens to Western geopolitical interests. That is exactly what is being done now when Ukrainian men are being detained on the streets and sent to the front lines as cannon fodder in violation of Ukrainian law. Zelenskyy and his clique are calling that mobilization. However, yesterday’s terrorist act went beyond that. The soldiers who were to be exchanged yesterday had mothers, wives and children who had been waiting for them. As had happened many times before, their exchange had been agreed with the Ukrainian side. However, for an inexplicable reason, Kyiv decided to destroy its own citizens together with the Russians who were accompanying them. That was also done by the Ukrainian junta, in July 2022, when it struck the Yelenovka detention centre, where Ukrainian prisoners of war were also held. More than 50 people were killed then. Perhaps a representative of the Kyiv regime will provide an explanation today. It is important to understand whether we are talking about a lack of coordination among the Ukrainian military and someone’s independent initiative or a deliberate, well- planned crime which is beyond any kind of morals. However, what we have seen so far was a primitive and cowardly attempt by representatives of the Kyiv authorities to disavow any responsibility for the crime, contrary to the obvious facts. By doing so, they have open lied and embarrassed themselves and are digging a deeper hole for themselves. Immediately after the terrorist act, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine issued a self- congratulatory statement, announcing that the plane had been deliberately downed by valiant Ukrainian soldiers. The news went viral on Ukrainian media, such as RBC- Ukraine, UNIAN and Ukrainska Pravda. However, as soon as it was clear that there had been Ukrainian prisoners of war on board, the Kyiv regime panicked and started to cover its tracks. The initial confessions about the involvement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were deleted from the Internet. At the same time, new versions started to emerge, each one more absurd than the one before it. In particular, there is disinformation that the Il-76 plane was carrying missiles, that it was en route either from Egypt or Belgorod and that there were no Ukrainian prisoners of war on board. Another school of thought of Ukrainian propaganda, which is not new, traditionally attempts to blame everything on Russia. I have no doubt that our Western colleagues will today engage in word play for the sole purpose of protecting the puppet regime in Kyiv. They and the leaders in Kyiv do not care at all about the Russians and Ukrainians who died, as they are considered second-class people and expendable in their geopolitical crusade against Russia. Western leaders are trying today to convince their public that this situation is a good investment and an attractive business project. The cynicism of such statements is simply off the charts. The Western sponsors of the criminal Kyiv regime, Mr. President, are fully responsible for its crimes. On Monday, in this Chamber, we were discussing arms supplies to Ukraine (see S/PV.9533). In such situation, you emphasized the fact that Ukraine is using that weaponry for legitimate self-defence. Perhaps you could clarify today how self-defence is related to the downing of an aircraft carrying their own prisoners of war to be exchanged under a procedure arranged in advance in accordance with international humanitarian law. We also deeply regret that the representatives of international organizations are applying double standards and refusing to comment on the event. We call on the members of the Security Council and the United Nations leadership to firmly condemn that and all other terrorist acts by the Kyiv junta. Silence in this situation will only enhance the sense of impunity of the corrupt Zelenskyy regime. For our part, we will do everything possible to ensure that all those responsible for that and other crimes of the Kyiv neo-Nazi clique are punished. In 2014, the Bandera junta downed Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-17 over Donetsk, taking almost 300 innocent lives. Despite the proof of Ukraine’s involvement in that crime, many in the West have expressed and continue to express doubts that Kyiv could have conceived and committed such a heinous provocation. I wonder how the Western public will deal with the fact that the Armed Forces of Ukraine downed yet another plane. It will be much more difficult for Kyiv to silence and cover up for the crime this time because all the victims have Ukrainian families who were eagerly awaiting their return and believed that the authorities would uphold their end of the bargain. In the end, the regime in Kyiv sacrificed those people twice: first, by throwing them on the front lines as cannon fodder, and then, after Russian troops had spared their lives, by treacherously downing their plane with rocket launchers. I will make one last point for those who call on us to engage in peace negotiations with the Kyiv regime. Setting aside the fact that the Kyiv leader banned himself and his subordinates from negotiating with us and that decree remains in force, I would like to ask the following question. How are we supposed to understand the statements and guarantees of the Kyiv regime and its Western sponsors when the Kyiv dictator has shown once again that he is not capable of observing even a technical agreement on prisoner exchange? Put that in the context of the Minsk agreements, which were used as a pretext to arm Ukraine, and Kyiv’s rejection of an already initialled draft peace treaty in Istanbul in April 2022, under Western pressure, and then it will be clear why we, while not rejecting negotiations in principle, continue with our special military operation in Ukraine, which was initiated to save the lives of the people of Donbas.

We thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting. We express our thanks to Mrs. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under- Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, for her availability to brief the Council. The downing of the military transport aircraft, which reportedly resulted in the loss of 74 lives, including prisoners of war, is tragic. The tragic loss of prisoners of war is sad and deplorable. Instead of being reunited with their respective families, they died far away from the battlefield. We urge both sides to learn from this tragic incident and ensure that it does not hinder the recent progress achieved in the prisoner exchange between them. This tragedy should instead be a catalyst for de-escalation and dialogue between the parties, aimed at lasting peace and settlement. Mozambique calls upon the two parties to immediately engage in unconditional and expeditious peace negotiations. We urge the parties to sustain the momentum from recent prisoner exchanges, move towards a ceasefire and build mutual trust. We further urge the parties to rigorously observe international humanitarian standards in ongoing and future prisoner-of-war transfers in the light of this tragedy. It is crucial that future prisoner exchanges be carried out securely and humanely, with open lines of communication between the parties, in strict adherence with the Geneva Conventions. The tragic loss of life yesterday must serve as an unequivocal reminder to all of the urgent necessity of achieving peace and understanding between the parties and in the region.

I thank Under- Secretary-General DiCarlo for her informative briefing. Let me begin by expressing condolences to all of those affected by one man’s decision to launch a war of aggression, in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations. We are here today because President Putin decided to invade another sovereign United Nations State Member. Just as he started the war, he can end it. After nearly two years of a war perpetuated at Putin’s behest, I repeat, the war could end today if Russia withdrew its troops from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. Russia’s rush to call for a Council meeting fits a now familiar pattern right out of the Russian playbook, with which we are all familiar. Russia has repeatedly attempted to shift responsibility for the tragedies of this senseless war of choice, as though it is the victim and not the aggressor. While we work to gather the facts and ascertain what happened, it bears repeating that the Kremlin bears full and ultimate responsibility for starting and continuing this war. Members of the Russian armed forces also bear responsibility for the war crimes and other atrocities they have committed. The Russian representative’s expressions of concern and attempts to appear serious about the Council’s mandate to maintain international peace and security ring hollow as Russia continues to commit aggression and unspeakable atrocities against Ukrainian citizens. As Russia’s full-scale invasion nears its two-year mark, we call on the international community to continue its support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Kremlin cannot be allowed to succeed in its effort to erase an independent Ukraine from the map and subjugate its people.

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her informative briefing. The crash of the military transport plane illustrates once again the disastrous consequences of Russian aggression. This is the context: if Russian troops had not invaded Ukraine and if Russia had upheld the Charter of the United Nations, none of this would have happened. We reiterate our condemnation of the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of international law. Russia’s ongoing campaign of systematic air strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure continues to bring suffering to Ukrainians. On Tuesday, Russian armed forces launched 44 missiles on cities, towns and villages across Ukraine, which resulted in new casualties among the civilian population and the destruction of essential facilities, including medical and educational buildings. More than 200 different objects were damaged; 18 people were killed, and more than 130 were injured. All attacks must stop. All attacks are prohibited under international law. This is yet another reminder of the dire consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The protection of civilians in armed conflict, as well as the protection of prisoners of war, in compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law, must be upheld. International obligations must be upheld. Civilian casualties must be avoided, and civilians must be protected from harm at all times. To conclude, Malta once again calls for Russia to end its hostilities and withdraw its military forces, equipment and proxies. The maintenance of international peace and security can be ensured only through a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We will continue to stand with Ukraine and its people in the fight they have been waging for more than two years, to exercise the right to self-defence and preserve their territorial integrity and sovereignty.

I thank Under- Secretary-General DiCarlo for the briefing provided. We are saddened to hear reports that 74 lives were lost in the plane crash yesterday in the region of Belgorod. We take note that the full circumstances of the crash are yet to be determined and hope that the results of the investigations will soon be made available. We deeply regret that lives continue to be lost every day in this war that should never have been. We especially lament the fact that many more will continue to suffer each day that it continues, living in constant fear and with shattered lives and dreams about how life would be. Regardless of which side of the front lines they represent, precious lives continue to be lost. My delegation reiterates its call for an immediate end to this war and the withdrawal of Russian military forces from the territory of Ukraine. The death and destruction wrought on civilians over the past two years must end. From the mass destruction of cities to prolonged economic, social and psychological impacts, the trauma and residual effects of this war will be acutely felt for years to come. In this vein, we also reiterate our call for the parties to comply with their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law and to guarantee protection for those who are most vulnerable, including women and children. Finally, we again urge the parties to be committed to a serious political and diplomatic process towards ending this conflict, and also urge the continued engagement of the international community to that end.

Let me begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. Since the Russian Federation began its illegal invasion of Ukraine, we have been witnessing all kinds of human suffering occurring every day for almost two years. At this juncture, we have now witnessed yet another tragedy caused by the war. From a humanitarian perspective, the Republic of Korea emphasizes the need to comply with international norms related to the protection of prisoners of war and civilians at all times. Regarding the crash of the Russian Il-76 military plane in the Belgorod region, near the Ukrainian border, on 24 January, my delegation regrets the loss of the lives of all who were on board. At the same time, we also note that there are discrepancies between the positions of Russia and Ukraine, and the facts are unclear at this point. Under the current circumstances, more information is needed to determine the actual cause and result of the tragedy at this time. My delegation hopes that the full picture of the incident will become clear through a fair investigation based on the facts. It was reported that, on the same day, Ukraine and Russia were both pursuing an exchange of prisoners of war, which was not realized. From a humanitarian perspective, we hope that this incident will not negatively impact any potential future exchanges of prisoners of war between the two sides. It is unbearable to watch tragic events occur repeatedly as the war continues. In that regard, my delegation once again urges the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw its military forces from the territory of Ukraine and put an end to this brutal war. Ukraine’s sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity should be respected. In conclusion, I reaffirm that the Republic of Korea is firmly committed to working with the international community towards a lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the Charter of the United Nations and relevant United Nations resolutions.

I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. Switzerland takes note of the information concerning the military aeroplane that crashed yesterday in the Belgorod region, near the Ukrainian border. Currently, we have no reliable information pertaining to the incident. It is imperative that the facts be established in a thorough, transparent and independent manner. In that regard, we recall that the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission stands ready at all times to help parties to the conflict to shed light on the circumstances. We call on all to avoid speculation, accusations and hasty conclusions, which serve only to exacerbate existing tensions. Without wanting to create any bias before the details of the incident are ascertained, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate three key messages. First, for more than 700 days, Russia’s military aggression has led to immeasurable suffering and destruction. If the military aggression had not taken place, we would not be discussing incidents such as the one that brings us together today. We condemn the loss of life that has resulted from this senseless war and call on Russia to cease all combat operations and withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Secondly, international humanitarian law must be unconditionally respected by all parties to the conflict. It grants crucial protection to people who are not, or are no longer, taking part in hostilities, such as civilians, injured combatants and prisoners of war. We recall that, under the Geneva Conventions, prisoners of war must be protected against the dangers arising from military operations. The primary responsibility for ensuring their safety, including during transport, lies with the detaining Power. We support efforts to exchange prisoners of war and call on the parties to pursue them. Thirdly, in line with the first two points, we urge Russia to stop the waves of missile and drone attacks, which have continued to cause civilian casualties and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure yet again this week in several locations in Ukraine, including in Kyiv, Kharkiv and the Dnipropetrovsk region. We must redouble efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing. The Security Council deliberated on Monday on the topic of the supply of weapons to Ukraine (see S/PV.9533). We are once again meeting today in an emergency meeting to discuss the crash of a Russian military transport aircraft that resulted in significant casualties. As the Under-Secretary-General stated in her briefing, it has been reported that the Russian aircraft, which was en route to Ukraine carrying prisoners of war to be handed over there, was downed and that everyone on board was killed in the terrible disaster. The laws and rules in conflicts are unambiguous. China expresses its grave concern about the tragic event and strongly urges the parties concerned to strictly abide by relevant international law and conventions by safeguarding the lives and basic rights of prisoners of war and to prevent the recurrence of such a tragedy. The development of the Ukraine crisis has repeatedly demonstrated that there are no winners in conflicts or confrontations. Dialogue and negotiation represent the only viable way out of any crisis. Sending weapons to the battlefield is not conducive to achieving peace. China calls on the parties concerned to strengthen direct engagement and dialogue, gradually resume negotiations and work towards reaching consensus, while the international community should demonstrate greater urgency and strengthen diplomatic mediation in a collective effort towards de-escalation and finding a political solution. With regard to the issue of Ukraine, China has continuously stood on the side of peace and dialogue and remained committed to peace negotiations and the cessation of hostilities. We would like to maintain communication with all parties and will make every effort towards finding a political solution to the crisis.

I want to begin by expressing my thanks for the informative briefing by Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary- General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. I also welcome the participation of the representative of Ukraine at this meeting. We are meeting once again in this Chamber for the third time in 72 hours to discuss the repercussions of Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Recently, according to reports, a new tragedy has come to light — the downing of a military transport aeroplane that has reportedly resulted in the tragic loss of 74 lives, including 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, the six members of the crew and three Russian servicemen. If confirmed, the incident would not only be a human tragedy, but a painful reminder of the devastating and far-reaching effects of the war. A full and transparent investigation into this incident must be carried out to clarify the circumstances and ensure accountability. I underscore the need for the parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the dignified and humane treatment of prisoners of war. Similarly, Ecuador regrets recent reports of Russian missile attacks on several Ukrainian cities and towns that have resulted in the loss of civilian lives, including children, as well as the destruction of civilian infrastructure. All attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must cease immediately. It is imperative that the parties strictly adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. The war in Ukraine has wreaked havoc and suffering, not only for those directly involved, but also the whole world. We live in a time of significant geopolitical tensions where the effects of the conflict transcend borders and threaten international stability and security. I will repeat what I have said on several occasions, namely, that we are concerned that military thinking has taken permanent root and is preventing dialogue and negotiations. We recall that, according to presidential statement S/PRST/2022/3, of 6 May 2022, this organ recalled that, under the Charter of the United Nations, all Member States have undertaken the obligation to settle their international disputes by peaceful means. I would like to conclude by reiterating to the parties concerned that the war must end. It is imperative to bring about a realistic ceasefire that will lead towards a just and lasting peace based on the principles of the Charter.

I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting. I also thank Under-Secretary- General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. Sierra Leone reiterates the sobering message that we are once more convened to consider a situation that is sad, sorrowful and regretful because there is an ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This important and tragic incident — the downing of a Russian military plane on 24 January — based on reports, has led to the death of 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, six Russian crew members and three military personnel. One can only imagine the human spirit of hope felt by those prisoners of war on the prospect of the exchange, even amid the tragedy of the war. One can only imagine the fate and emotional state of their families learning of the tragic fate of all those who lost their lives. But we are not in the Security Council to imagine. The Security Council has a specific mandate. Therefore, as members, we must reiterate the principles to which we have all subscribed in the Charter of the United Nations. In that regard, Sierra Leone reiterates its call for full respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. We also reiterate our call for the immediate cessation of the hostilities and for good-faith diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. That also means addressing the legitimate concerns of all parties involved. As reported by the Russian Federation, the military aircraft, a military transport plane, was shot down over Russia’s Belgorod region by Ukrainian anti-aircraft missiles. It was reported to be carrying, as I said, 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, six Russian crew members and three soldiers. It was reported that the aircraft was en route to a scheduled exchange of prisoners of war. Although reports from Ukraine indicate that a prisoner of war exchange was scheduled, it is reported that they lacked reliable and comprehensive information about the identities of those on board the downed plane. Ukraine has also reported that the Russian Federation did not communicate information and the need to secure safe airspace over the Belgorod region. Accordingly, Sierra Leone would like to make the following critical observations. First, we acknowledge and welcome the exchanges of prisoners of war by the parties to the conflict. We particularly commend the United Arab Emirates for facilitating the exchange this month that led to the release of 478 prisoners. Even with this sad incident, we entreat the parties to continue with these meaningful steps and to undertake prisoner of war exchanges as provided for under international law. Secondly, we urge the parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international law, especially international humanitarian law and certainly on the treatment of prisoners of war. Thirdly, we call for accountability for violations of international law and perpetration of prohibited conduct in armed conflicts. In that regard, we call for an independent and impartial investigation of the incident and the circumstances surrounding it. Allow me to conclude by emphasizing the importance of pursing dialogue and ending the conflict. We can only imagine the Security Council being convened again to consider the situation in Ukraine for another sad, tragic and regrettable incident if the conflict is not ended by peaceful means.

I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. It is extremely challenging to have an informed discussion, especially on peace and security, when only unverified information is available. We also understand the difficulties surrounding the organization of such meetings. At the moment, we are aware of only one fact: a military transport aeroplane crashed during an armed conflict. We do not know what it was carrying or whether it was shot down, and my delegation would welcome independently verified information on the event. On the other hand, we have ample independently verified information on violations of international law, including humanitarian and human rights law, in Ukraine by the Russian Federation. They include indiscriminate attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure and gross violations of human rights. It is our sincere hope that this episode of the war on Ukraine will not stand in the way of future exchanges of prisoners of war between the two countries. Even in the absence of impartial and verified information, it sadly must be concluded that new names will be added to the long list of casualties that has been growing since February 2022. Slovenia regrets any loss of life, be it civilian or military, during any armed conflict. I would like to convey our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this event, which was another tragic consequence of an unnecessary war of aggression against Ukraine.

I thank you, Mr. President, for coordinating to convene this meeting. I also thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing. We are aware of reports that a Russian military aircraft has crashed in Russian territory. The Ukrainian side has understandably stated that it will take time to evaluate the incident. The Security Council bears the responsibility to address issues affecting international peace and security. In order to fulfil that function, the Council must have facts before it. We should not engage in speculation without any objective information. We must not lose sight of why we have assembled here today. Russia requested that an urgent briefing be scheduled today, claiming that the downing of its military plane in a war of aggression against Ukraine, which Russia initiated, is on the Security Council’s agenda for discussion. Are they doing so, knowing that so many innocent Ukrainians have been killed on Ukrainian soil by Russia’s indiscriminate attacks? It is obvious that, if Russia had not violated the Charter of the United Nations by starting its aggression against Ukraine in the first place, such a situation would not have arisen. Therefore, Japan once again urges Russia to stop its aggression and immediately and unconditionally withdraw from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine. Japan will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

I thank Under- Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing. At the outset, Mr. President, let me express our full support for your handling of the presidency of the Security Council. I do find it ironic that, while the Russian representative chooses to lecture France on United Nations rules, as he has frequently lectured the United Kingdom on our organization of meetings, his country continues to commit arguably the most egregious and flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations in the Organization’s history. The United Kingdom regrets all loss of human life, wherever it occurs. We fully support Ukraine’s calm and measured response to this aircraft incident and agree that there is an urgent need to establish the facts, as President Zelenskyy has said. While it is too early to draw conclusions, one thing is clear: when President Putin made the decision to illegally invade Ukraine, he demonstrated his total disregard for the value of human life, including that of his own citizens. We would not be in this position, and incidents like this would not happen, if it were not for Russia’s full-scale illegal invasion in February 2022. A sovereign, independent Ukraine did not — and does not — pose a threat to Russia. Ukrainians want and deserve to live in peace and security, and without interference from their largest neighbour. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost in this war, including more than 300,000 Russian soldiers dead or injured, and tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians killed. Soon this pointless conflict will have lasted for two years. Russia can choose to end the bloodshed. It can withdraw all its military personnel from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. And, as a permanent member of the Security Council, it can uphold purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

I thank Under-Secretary- General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. Two weeks ago in the Chamber, Algeria expressed concern about the escalation of tensions and the continued loss of lives (see S/PV.9526). Such unfortunate developments are only further pushing away any prospect of a peaceful settlement of this crisis. And now today we are gathered here after the deadly downing of a Russian military transport aircraft with 74 persons on board. Allow me to extend my sincere condolences to the families of all the victims. Had this incident not occurred, the soldiers that lost their lives today would have been freed and the aeroplane crew would be back home. The Security Council would have likely welcomed the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine as a positive gesture. Unfortunately, that is not the case. We are rather urgently gathering today with more acute concern  — more concern about the mindset of confrontation prevailing in this crisis, about the increasing polarization and about the lack of prospect for inclusive and constructive dialogue and negotiations. We once again call on all the parties to exercise restraint and to prioritize political dialogue for the sake of a just and lasting peace. The principles of the Charter of the United Nations need to be upheld in that regard, taking into account the legitimate security concerns of all the parties. The international community is also called upon to promote and intensify further diplomatic efforts to achieve peace. We stand ready to contribute to any endeavour to promote inclusive and constructive dialogue as soon as the parties are ready to engage in genuine negotiations.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of France. I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full- scale aggression against Ukraine, after eight years of occupying Crimea and fuelling the war in Donbas. The negative consequences of that aggression, for which Russia bears sole, full responsibility, continue to multiply. Every day brings with it a new tragedy and, along with it, new victims. Yesterday we learned that a Russian military aircraft had crashed in the Belgorod region, close to Ukraine, and that is why we convened this urgent meeting of the Security Council. There were no survivors. We also know, without being able to say with certainty, whether there is a link between these two events, that a prisoner- of-war exchange was due to take place on the same day. Russia has affirmed that the plane was carrying Ukrainian prisoners. It is important to get to the bottom of this event. In any case, it is hard to believe that Russia is lamenting the fate of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Instead of convening meetings to try to reverse the order of responsibility, Russia needs to take action: it must cease its aggression, stop its strikes against civilian infrastructure and withdraw its troops from Ukraine’s territory, as called for by the International Court of Justice, back on 16 March 2022, and by the General Assembly, on repeated occasions. The lengths to which Russia goes to spread its propaganda are appalling. It is interesting to note that the representative of Russia brought up the case of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-17, a tragedy in which dozens of citizens from Australia, the Netherlands and other countries perished. I would like to remind the Council that, on 17 November 2022, in an act of exemplary professionalism, a district court in The Hague convicted two Russian nationals and one pro-Russian Ukrainian from Donbas for that crime. Let Russia focus its efforts on the only urgent need at hand: stopping its war of aggression. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Ukraine.

I recognize the representative of Putin’s regime in the permanent seat of the Soviet Union. For almost 10 years since Russia started its aggression by occupying Ukraine and Crimea, and for almost two years since that country launched a full-scale war against Ukraine, we have seen time and again that Russia is ready to commit any crime or provocation to justify its violations and divert our attention from the basic issue, namely, that the only root cause of all atrocities, deaths and destruction is Russia’s war of aggression and its intention to destroy Ukraine’s statehood. Russia started this unjust, unprovoked and genocidal war, and Russia bears full responsibility for all the atrocities, deaths and destruction caused by it. It is clear already that Russia is unable to achieve substantial results on the battlefield. This month, the Russian Federation continued its missile terror on Ukrainian cities. It carries out the largest number of missile attacks on Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region, located near the Russian border. In the last week alone, Russia launched 19 missile strikes in the Belgorod region, using at least 26 S-300 missiles and three Iskander missiles. As a result of those attacks, 16 people, including one child, were killed, and 78 others were wounded. Thirteen buildings were destroyed, including one hospital, three educational institutions and six residential buildings. The Russian Federation must immediately stop shelling Ukrainian cities. Russia has deliberately turned the Belgorod region into a springboard for missile terror against Kharkiv, a city of more than 1 million people. A quarter of the city has already been destroyed by Russian strikes. Any State within the limits of international law will take all possible measures to protect its people and infrastructure. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are taking all necessary measures to protect the civilian population from Russian missile attacks and to reduce the missile threat stemming from Russia, especially from the Belgorod region. To that end, the Ukrainian forces not only control the airspace but also closely monitor the missile-launch sites and logistics of their supply chains, including the use of military-transport aviation. The intensity of Russia’s shelling on the Kharkiv region is directly related to the increased number of military transport aircraft flights, including Il-76 flights, that have been heading to Belgorod Airport recently. Taking that into account, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will continue to take measures to destroy delivery means and control the airspace in order to eliminate the terrorist threat, in particular in the Belgorod-Kharkiv direction. Let me remind Security Council members that according to the laws of warfare, military-transport aircraft of the armed forces of the Russian Federation are a legitimate military target. On 24 January, a prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia was supposed to take place, but it did not happen. The Ukrainian side fulfilled its obligations. Russian prisoners of war were transferred to the agreed location in a timely manner and were waiting in safety for the exchange. The Russian side was supposed to ensure the same level of safety for the Ukrainian captured servicemen. At the same time, the Ukrainian side was not informed of the need to secure the airspace in the area of Belgorod during the specified period, as has been done repeatedly in the past. The situation we are dealing with effectively took place in several regions. Ukraine was not informed about the number of vehicles, routes or means of transportation of the captives. That alone may constitute intentional actions by Russia to endanger the lives and safety of the prisoners. The landing of a transport aircraft in a 30-kilometre zone of combat operations poses a danger to the entire exchange process. And Russia, being responsible for the safety of the prisoner-of-war site, should take all necessary measures, including informing about all transfer-related details in the war zone and its proximity, to comply with all relevant international provisions. Since 2014, Moscow has used civilians as human shields in Crimea and Donbas. That Russian practice was repeatedly recorded on the ground when Russian soldiers physically covered themselves with Ukrainian prisoners and opened fire from behind their backs. This is a common tactic for Russia that violates the norms of international humanitarian law. Russian propaganda was suspiciously fast in instantly translating statements about the shooting down of the Russian Il-76 aircraft that had allegedly transported Ukrainian prisoners of war. All the details of the plane crash are being investigated by the Ukrainian authorities. At the same time, if the information that there were Ukrainian prisoners of war onboard is confirmed, we will have further confirmation of a gross violation of international humanitarian law by Russia, and the first case of Russia using human shields in the air to cover up the transportation of missiles for use against peaceful Ukrainian cities. According to article 46 of the Third Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, “the detaining Power shall take adequate precautions, especially in case of transport by sea or by air, to ensure their safety during transfer”. The Security Service of Ukraine registered a criminal proceeding on the basis that the military-political leadership of the Russian Federation also violated article 130 of the Convention by failing to ensure the safety of prisoners of war during transportation and used an object for transportation that is a legitimate target due to its military use. Taking into account all the facts presented, Ukraine emphasizes that, in accordance with international law, Russia bears full responsibility for the lives of Ukrainian prisoners of war. We insist on conducting an international investigation to establish all the circumstances of this incident. Russia is directly responsible for the aggression against Ukraine. The Russian State is the world’s largest organized source of terror. Russia and its leadership must be held to the strictest responsibility for any manifestation of this terror. There would not have been a single loss among Ukrainians if Putin had not given the order to start the war. It is obvious that Russians are toying with the lives of Ukrainian captives, the feelings of their relatives and the emotions of Ukrainian society. It is necessary to establish all the facts clearly to the extent possible, given that the aircraft, which crashed on Russian territory, is beyond our control. “Facts” is the key word now. The Ukrainian authorities are investigating all circumstances and the fate of all prisoners. Its speaks volumes that the Kremlin, as follows from the statement by Putin’s spokesperson, has effectively rejected the idea of a transparent and impartial international investigation. Peskov insists that only a prejudiced investigation to confirm the Russian version of a so-called Ukrainian crime will be allowed. The Kremlin’s goal is clear: to keep the narrative about the situation within the framework of their version. Ukrainian military intelligence does not rule out that several senior military and political officials should have been onboard, but were instead told by the Russian Federal Security Service to use other means of transportation. Following the plane crash, the Federal Security Service and the Russian military did not allow emergency workers to inspect the crash site as per protocol. According to our military intelligence, only five bodies were sent to the local morgue in Belgorod, and no human remains are visible on videos from the crash site. We reiterate that there is only one way to stop the scourge of war: to stop the war itself. The Russian Federation should make the only just decision, as outlined by General Assembly resolution ES-11/6, adopted on 23 February 2023 and entitled “Principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”. Russia must cease its aggression, withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine and prepare for what usually follows the end of a war: accountability and reparations.

The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

I was not going to comment on the Ukrainian statement, which turned out to be totally paranoid and delusional, as usual. Let me just say that my colleague seems to have been indoctrinated to continue lying and covering up for the Kyiv regime. The lists were published and brought to the notice of the Ukrainian side as per agreed procedures, as had been done multiple times before. It makes no sense to deny that. By the way, that was unlike the lists of victims of the provocation in Bucha, which we struggle to get and continue to speak about. But that was not my point. I wanted to respond to what you said in your statement, Mr. President, about the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-17 in 2014. According to hypocritical Western tradition, you put the blame for that tragedy on Russia. I would like to briefly remind you of the irrefutable facts that you normally try to ignore. After the crash, it was Russia who consistently insisted on an impartial and transparent international investigation. We were at the origin of the adoption of resolution 2166 (2014). We provided the Netherlands with maximum aid, always responding fully and promptly to requests for legal assistance. Unlike Ukraine and the United States, we passed on information critical to identifying the perpetrators. Our data was never included in the case. At the same time, there were many questions about the biased activities of the Joint Investigative Team (JIT). We were therefore not surprised by the totally biased decision of the District Court of The Hague in the criminal proceedings. It is absolutely clear that the conclusions of the JIT and the outcome of the trial were aimed solely at fitting the evidence into a single version — favourable to the West — of Russia’s involvement in this unthinkable tragedy. By clearly playing into the hands of the Kyiv regime, its accomplices discredited themselves for good. They turned a blind eye to the gross inconsistencies and outright lies by Kyiv in the process. In particular, the key fact of the case defies all logic. I mean the fact the Ukrainian authorities had not closed the airspace of the conflict zone, in violation of the norms of international law. All that exposes the obvious political bias of the main participants in the proceedings. This year will mark 10 years since the disaster, but nothing has changed. The West is still justifying, for the sake of current political considerations, any crime committed by its puppets in Kyiv, trying to blame Russia even when the facts say otherwise. I would like to emphasize that this political spectacle has nothing to do with holding to account those responsible for the crash of Flight MH-17, who were and remain located in Kyiv.