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UNRIC Library Backgrounder: Ukraine

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For information 2014-2021 – click here

 

UN News Centre – Ukraine
https://news.un.org/en/tags/ukraine

News Focus – Ukraine
https://news.un.org/en/focus/ukraine

OCHA – Ukraine – Humanitarian Situation and Response Flash Updates:
Destruction of Kakhovka Dam
https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/ukraine/

Ukraine dam disaster: Lack of clean water, spread of disease, major risks (UN News, 7 June 2023):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/06/1137422

UN relief chief warns of far-reaching impact of dam destruction (6 June 2023):
https://unocha.org/story/ukraine-un-relief-chief-warns-far-reaching-impact-dam-destruction

The UN and Ukraine: year-long war spreads global fallout (UN News, 3 March 2023):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/03/1134122

“Even at This Late Hour”: One Year On, a Look Back at the Security Council and General Assembly’s Response to the Invasion of Ukraine (DPPA Politically Speaking, 23 February 2023): https://bit.ly/41QYhkE

OCHA – 7 reasons why the world must keep supporting Ukraine (20 February 2023):
https://unocha.exposure.co/7-reasons-why-the-world-must-keep-supporting-ukraine

UNDP Feature: “I want everyone to know who we are fighting” – One year of war in Ukraine:
https://feature.undp.org/one-year-of-war-in-ukraine/

Ukraine: UN appeals for $5.6 billion to help millions affected by relentless conflict
(UN News, 15 February 2023): https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/02/1133517

Ukraine: UN and partners provide life-saving aid to some 13.5 million
(UN News, 10 November 2022): https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/11/1130452

 

 

Black Sea Grain Initiative Joint Coordination Centre
https://www.un.org/en/black-sea-grain-initiative/

An “unprecedented agreement” on the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war is “a beacon of hope” in a world that desperately needs it, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the signing ceremony on 27 July in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The UN plan, which also paves the way for Russian food and fertilizer to reach global markets, will help to stabilize spiralling food prices worldwide and stave off famine, affecting millions.
The initiative specifically allows for significant volumes of commercial food exports from three key Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea – Odesa, Chornomorsk, Yuzhny.
The Secretary-General also announced the establishment of a Joint Coordination Centre to monitor implementation. It will be hosted in Istanbul and will include representatives from Ukraine, Russia and Türkiye.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative: What it is, and why it’s important for the world
(UN News, 16 September 2022): https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/09/1126811

Ukraine: UN-led Grain Initiative helps anchor food supply, chart way out of crisis
(UN News, 20 October 2022): https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/10/1129757

Note to Correspondents: Update on the Black Sea Grain Initiative (18 January 2023):
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2023-01-18/note-correspondents-update-the-black-sea-grain-initiative

Note to Correspondents – on today’s talks in Geneva on the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation (13 March 2023): https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2023-03-13/note-correspondents-todays-talks-geneva-the-black-sea-grain-initiative-and-the-memorandum-of-understanding-the-russian-federation-0

UN stresses ‘full commitment’ to Ukraine grain deal as Russia offers 60-day extension (UN News, 13 March 2023): https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/03/1134542

Note to Correspondents – on Black Sea Grain Initiative (14 March 2023): https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2023-03-14/note-correspondents-black-sea-grain-initiative

Note to Correspondents – on the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (18 March 2023): https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2023-03-18/note-correspondents-the-extension-of-the-black-sea-grain-initiative

Note to Correspondents – on the Black Sea Grain Initiative (11 April 2023): https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2023-04-11/note-correspondents-the-black-sea-grain-initiative

Russia confirms participation in grain deal for at least 60 more days
(UN News, 17 May 2023): https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/05/1136757

 

 

Note to Correspondents: Secretary-General appoints members of Fact-finding Mission regarding Incident at Olenivka on 29 July 2022 (22 August 2022):
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2022-08-22/note-correspondents-secretary-general-appoints-members-of-fact-finding-mission-regarding-incident-olenivka-29-july-2022

Ukraine: Four months after Russian invasion, humanitarian needs intensify (30 June 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/06/1121702

Ukraine: Cycle of death, destruction, dislocation, and disruption ‘must stop’ (28 June 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/06/1121592

OCHA – 100 days of the war in Ukraine (6 June 2022):
https://www.unocha.org/story/100-days-war-ukraine

WFP – War in Ukraine: Three months, three mothers, three generations dreaming of peace (6 June 2022):
https://bit.ly/3NpbbP7

Statement by Amin Awad, Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine marking 100 days since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February (3 June 2022):
https://bit.ly/3x5Tz43

Ukraine: After 100 days of war, Guterres calls for end to violence, as UN works to free up vital food and fertilizer exports
(3 June 2022): https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/06/1119672

UNDP – 100 days of war in Ukraine (2 June 2022):
https://stories.undp.org/100-days-of-war-in-ukraine

UNHCR – After 100 days of anguish, UNHCR is focused on protection and shelter for Ukrainians (3 June 2022):
https://www.unhcr.org/news/briefing/2022/6/6299c8f14/

IOM – Scorched Dreams: 100 Days of War in Ukraine (3 June 2022):
https://storyteller.iom.int/stories/scorched-dreams-100-days-war-ukraine

WHO – One hundred days of war has put Ukraine’s health system under severe pressure (3 June 2022):
https://bit.ly/3PYHZjR

WFP – War in Ukraine: How WFP has met surging food needs for over three months (3 June 2022):
https://www.wfp.org/stories/war-ukraine-how-wfp-has-met-surging-food-needs-over-three-months

UNICEF – One hundred days of war in Ukraine have left 5.2 million children in need of humanitarian assistance: At least 262 children have been killed and 415 injured in attacks since 24 February (31 May 2022): https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/one-hundred-days-war-ukraine-have-left-52-million-children-need-humanitarian

 

 

Ukraine: General Assembly resumes emergency special session, taking up new text to end war (22 February 2023)
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/02/1133797

General Assembly adopts resolution on Russian reparations for Ukraine (14 November 2022)
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/11/1130587

Ukraine: UN General Assembly demands Russia reverse course on ‘attempted illegal annexation’ (12 October 2022)
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/10/1129492

Ukraine: Support for war crimes investigations ‘of paramount importance’ (16 May 2022)
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1118342

Ukraine: ‘Cycle of death, destruction’ must stop, UN chief tells Security Council (5 May 2022)
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1117652

‘The world sees you’ UN chief tells Ukrainians, pledging to boost support (28 April 2022)
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1117202

 Guterres in Ukraine: War is ‘evil’ and unacceptable, calls for justice (28 April 2022)
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1117132

Russia agrees ‘in principle’ to UN and Red Cross involvement in evacuations from Mariupol (26 April 2022)
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1116932

What can the UN do? 5 of your questions answered (5 April 2022)
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1115592

Protecting civilians from explosive weapons in conflict:
5 things you should know (5 June 2022)
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/06/1119552

 

 

UN General Assembly votes to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council (7 April 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1115782

Guterres unveils first recommendations of UN crisis group, set up in wake of Ukraine invasion (5 April 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1115622

Ukraine: General Assembly passes resolution demanding aid access, by large majority (24 March 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/1114632

Human Rights Council to establish Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine (4 March 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/1113292

‘Senseless war’ forces one million to flee Ukraine: UN High Commissioner for Refugees (3 March 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/1113192

General Assembly resolution demands end to Russian offensive in Ukraine (3 March 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/1113152

Ukraine: $1.7 billion appeal launched to help refugee exodus, host countries (1 March 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/1113052

General Assembly holds emergency special session on Ukraine crisis (28 February 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112912

Security Council vote sets up emergency UN General Assembly session on Ukraine crisis (27 February 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112842

UN to launch appeal to fund humanitarian operations in Ukraine (26 February 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112822

Russia blocks Security Council action on Ukraine (25 February 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112802

Secretary-General appoints Amin Awad of Sudan United Nations Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine (SG/A/2102, 25 February 2022): https://www.un.org/press/en/2022/sga2102.doc.htm

As Security Council meets on Ukraine crisis, Russia announces start of ‘special military operation’ (23 February 2022):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112592

 

UN Entities

Security Council

  • Meetings in 2023: 6 June, 15 May, 17 March, 24, 6 February, 13 January – Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine;
    30, 18 May, 14 March, 21, 17, 8 February, 17 January – Threats to international peace and security
    Meeting records, press releases and resolutions:
    https://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2023
    Releated press releases:

    • With Kherson Dam’s destruction, plight of Ukraine’s people will only get worse, Emergency Relief Coordinator warns Security Council (SC/15310, 6 June 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15310.doc.htm
    • Briefing Security Council, International Atomic Energy Agency Director outlines five principles to prevent nuclear accident at Zaporizhzhia Power Plant in Ukraine (SC/15300, 30 May 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15300.doc.htm
    • Preventing diversions of arms to Ukraine crucial for country, region security, stability, Senior Disarmament Official tells Security Council (SC/15286, 18 May 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15286.doc.htm
    • Black Sea Grain Initiative negotiations continue, but attacks on civilians impact humanitarian aid, Senior Official tells Security Council (SC/15281, 15 May 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15281.doc.htm
    • Every additional day of Moscow’s war prolongs human suffering in Ukraine, Intergovernmental Organization Chair tells Security Council: Federal Councillor calls aggression ‘greatest challenge to cooperative security in Europe, Central Asia’ (SC/15274, 4 May 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15274.doc.htm
    • Spotlighting Russian Federation-Ukraine war’s impact on global food, energy stability, delegates in Security Council urge renewing Grain Initiative (SC/15233, 17 March 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15233.doc.htm
    • ‘Russophobia’ term used to justify Moscow’s war crimes in Ukraine, historian tells Security Council (SC/15226, 14 March 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15226.doc.htm
    • Decrying crimes against civilians, calling for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, Speakers tell Security Council peace talks crucial to ending conflict (SC/15211, 24 February 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15211.doc.htm
    • ‘Avoid speculation’ about responsibility for 2022 Nord Stream Pipeline incident, official urges Security Council, stressing United Nations cannot verify claims (SC/15206, 21 February 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15206.doc.htm
    • As Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine approaches one year mark, speakers in Security Council trade accusations for failure of Minsk Peace Accords (SC/15202, 17 February 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15202.doc.htm
    • Military equipment transfer in support of Ukraine must not hinder aspiration for peace, Disarmament Affairs Chief tells Security Council (SC/15196, 8 February 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15196.doc.htm
    • Renewed efforts critical to ending humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine, Emergency Relief Coordinator tells Security Council; Many delegates voice strong support for Grain Initiative, demand Russian Federation’s unconditional withdrawal from Ukrainian territory (SC/15192, 6 February 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15192.doc.htm
    • Concerned by restrictions on religious freedom, speakers warn against using religion to fuel conflict, as Security Council considers situation in Ukraine (SC/15178, 17 January 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15178.doc.htm
    • War leaving invisible scars for Ukrainians, Under-Secretary-General tells Security Council, noting one fourth of population will develop mental-health condition (SC/15174, 13 January 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15174.doc.htm
  • Meetings in 2022: 6 December, 23, 16 November, 27, 21 October, 30, 27, 22, 7 September, 24 August, 29 July, 28, 21, 6 June, 12, 6, 5 May, 19, 11 April – Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine;
    5 April, 29, 6, 4 March, 28, 27, 25, 23, 21 February – Letter dated 28 February 2014 from the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2014/136);
    23 March, 17 February – Letter dated 13 April 2014 from the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2014/264);
    9 December, 2 November, 31 October, 8, 6 September, 23, 11 August, 3 May, 18, 17, 11, 7 March, 31 January – Threats to international peace and security
    14 March – Briefing by the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
    Meeting records, press releases and resolutions:
    https://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick/meetings/2022
    Related press releases:

Security Council documents:

  • S/2022/821 (2 November 2022): Russian Federation: draft resolution [on establishment of a commission to investigate the Ukraine’s compliance with obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction]: https://undocs.org/S/2022/821
    The draft resolution was not adopted having failed to obtain the required number of votes (S/PV.9180).
  • S/2022/720 (30 September 2022): Albania and United States of America: draft resolution [on aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of the Charter of the United Nations]: https://undocs.org/S/2022/720
    The draft resolution was not adopted due to the negative vote of a permanent member of the Security Council (Russian Federation) (S/PV.9143).
  • S/2022/551 (12 July 2022): Letter dated 11 July 2022 from the Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council: https://undocs.org/S/2022/551
    Transmits concept note for an Arria-formula meeting on the theme “Destruction of cultural heritage as a consequence of the Russian aggression against Ukraine,” to be held on 15 July 2022.
  • S/PRST/2022/3 (6 May 2022): Statement by the President of the Security Council “Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine”: https://undocs.org/S/PRST/2022/3
  • S/2022/363 (3 May 2022): Letter dated 28 April 2022 from the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council: https://undocs.org/S/2022/363
    Transmits concept note for an Arria-formula meeting on “Systematic and mass grave violations of international humanitarian law as well as other war crimes committed by the Ukrainian military personnel and militia and discovered in the course of the ongoing Special Military Operation of the Russian Armed Forces”, to be held on 6 May 2022.
  • S/2022/352 (26 April 2022): Letter dated 26 April 2022 from the Permanent Representative of Albania the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General: https://undocs.org/S/2022/352
    Transmits concept note for an Arria-formula meeting on the topic “Ensuring accountability for atrocities committed in Ukraine”, to be held on 27 Apr. 2022.
  • S/2022/231 (24 March 2022): Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and Syrian Arab Republic: draft resolution [on protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access in Ukraine]: https://undocs.org/S/2022/231
    The draft resolution was not adopted having failed to obtain the required number of votes (S/PV.9002).
  • Security Council resolution 2623 (2022): https://undocs.org/S/RES/2623(2022)
    on convening an emergency special session of the General Assembly on Ukraine
  • S/2022/155 (25 February 2022): Draft resolution [on aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of the Charter of the United Nations]: https://undocs.org/S/2022/155
    The draft resolution was not adopted due to the negative vote of a permanent member of the Security Council (Russian Federation) (S/PV.8979).
  • Further documents – click here

General Assembly

Human Rights Council

Selected Statements and Speeches by UN Officials

Non-UN Sources

 

Last update: 7 June 2023
not an official document – for information only
https://unric.org/en/unric-library-backgrounder-ukraine/

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