Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Ukraine and the Russian Federation
06 August 2026
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the latest large-scale missile and drone attacks by the armed forces of the Russian Federation on Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine, that reportedly killed and injured dozens of civilians, and led to extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.
These latest series of attacks follow an alarming pattern of escalating strikes against populated areas, reportedly resulting in a record-level increase in numbers of civilian casualties and widespread destruction of residential and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, as well as increasingly in the Russian Federation. Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are a clear violation of international humanitarian law and must stop immediately.
The Secretary-General is also deeply concerned by the increasing risks to safety and security of navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and the potential impact on global food security. He calls on all concerned to ensure freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and for the protection of civilian ports and maritime infrastructure.
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the continued escalation of the conflict, including onto the territory of the Russian Federation. In this regard, he also condemns the recent Ukrainian drone attacks on several regions of the Russian Federation, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
The Secretary-General reiterates his call for urgent de-escalation, leading to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace, in line with international law, including the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
António Guterres
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