The Ukrainian ambassador to the United Nations, Sergiy Kyslytsya, delivered a formal statement during a closed-door session of the UN Security Council on June 15, 2023, addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in eastern Ukraine and urging greater international pressure on Russia. The statement, obtained by multiple news organizations, emphasized the “systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure” by Russian forces and called for expanded sanctions against individuals linked to the conflict. Kyslytsya also referenced recent attacks on energy facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv, citing reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Italy’s presence in the context of the statement was confirmed by Italian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alessandro Spada, who noted that Rome had “reiterated its steadfast support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty” in a separate diplomatic communication. While the Italian delegation did not directly intervene during Kyslytsya’s remarks, the country’s ambassador to the UN, Matteo Mecacci, later issued a statement affirming Italy’s commitment to “upholding international law and ensuring accountability for violations.” This aligns with Italy’s broader role as a key European Union member advocating for sanctions against Russia, though it has avoided direct military involvement in the conflict.
The Ukrainian statement followed weeks of escalating tensions, including a March 2023 UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which was supported by 143 member states. Kyslytsya’s remarks were part of a broader effort to maintain global attention on the war, which has displaced over 10 million people and caused widespread destruction. The statement also referenced a recent audit by the World Bank, which estimated $486 billion in damages to Ukraine’s infrastructure since the war began in February 2022.
Key details of the statement were corroborated by UN Security Council records, which show that Kyslytsya’s remarks were part of a routine briefing on the humanitarian situation. However, specific calls for new sanctions or military aid were not included in the publicly available transcript, suggesting the statement focused on diplomatic and humanitarian appeals. The Russian delegation did not respond directly to the statement during the session, according to a Council official, but later issued a statement condemning “unfounded accusations” and emphasizing Moscow’s position that its actions in Ukraine are “necessary to protect Russian-speaking populations.”
Italy’s involvement remains limited to diplomatic advocacy, with Mecacci emphasizing in a June 16 press briefing that Rome “supports Ukraine’s right to self-defense under international law” while advocating for a “political solution.” This stance reflects Italy’s cautious approach to the conflict, balancing solidarity with Ukraine against concerns about energy security and economic ties with Russia. The Italian government has provided €1.5 billion in humanitarian aid to Ukraine since 2022, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs data, but has not joined Western allies in supplying military equipment.
The next scheduled discussion on Ukraine-related issues at the UN Security Council is set for July 12, 2023, though no formal agenda has been published. Kyslytsya’s statement is expected to inform ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a planned meeting between UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in early July. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation remains critical, with the UN reporting that over 6 million people in eastern Ukraine lack access to clean water and stable electricity.
