UK at OSCE condemns Russia's targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure

Head of the United Kingdom's Delegation to the OSCE Neil Holland said this at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday, July 18, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Russia is violating international humanitarian law by terrorizing the civilian population with its relentless targeting of Ukraine's critical infrastructure. Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and its persistent attacks on energy infrastructure also represent a violation of its commitments to the OSCE's Helsinki Final Act," Holland said.

He added that Russia had flouted several foundational principles of this organization including respect for sovereignty, refraining from the threat or use of force, and upholding human rights.

"The international community, including the OSCE, must continue to hold Russia accountable for these violations," the British ambassador said.

Holland recalled that in the spring of 2024, Russia significantly intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, continuing a strategy aimed at crippling Ukraine's power supply and this resulted in a total electricity loss of over 9 GW, with rolling blackouts occurring throughout Ukraine, plunging civilians into darkness.

"Russia carried out one of its most extensive assaults in early June, launching 70 missiles and drones overnight, targeting energy facilities in at least five Ukrainian regions, resulting in substantial damage to the power system. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept many of the incoming missiles and drones, but the attack still inflicted considerable damage on critical infrastructure and caused widespread civilian suffering," he said.

At the same time, Ukraine faces "a great challenge to restore power before the winter – running the risk that millions may not have sufficient heat as temperatures drastically decrease."

In the face of Russia's aggression, the UK has already pledged nearly GBP 150 million to reinforce Ukraine's energy infrastructure and bolster its cybersecurity defenses.

"We will continue to work with international partners to help Ukraine repair, protect and restore its energy system. Our commitment, to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and to restore its sovereignty over all of its territory, is iron-clad," Holland said.