THOSE SUPPORTING UKRAINIANS WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN TORN APART BY RUSSIA’S INVASION MUST BE PROTECTED

I am outraged to know that a clearly marked vehicle of a Ukrainian humanitarian organization, Mission Proliska, was hit this morning in war-torn Chasiv Yar, in the Donetsk Region. The attack happened a few metres from where Proliska’s team was distributing much-needed relief supplies to civilians in the town. Regrettably, an aid worker was injured.

I was in Chasiv Yar just a few weeks ago, also delivering aid to civilians in this town completely devasted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. I know first-hand that civilians there have exhausted their scarce resources to face this devastation and I saw how the work carried out by volunteers, humanitarian organizations and local authorities is truly contributing to their dignity.

The work of humanitarian organizations must be protected. Yet, at least seven attacks have directly impacted facilities and assets in Ukraine since the beginning of the year. In the Kherson Region, where I was today, five humanitarian warehouses were damaged and burned to the ground in December alone. In 2023, on average, there were four incidents harming humanitarian operations in Ukraine every week.

Those supporting Ukrainians whose lives have been torn apart by Russia’s invasion must be protected. International humanitarian law must be respected.

Mykolaiv, 26 January 2024