Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 12, 2026 Peace and security
The start of the new year brought neither peace nor even a respite to Ukraine. Russia's massive air strikes against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure across the country have resulted in horrific destruction. These were the words of Deputy UN Political Secretary Rosemary DiCarlo, speaking at the UN Security Council on Monday.
Without heat, water and light
She noted that attacks on energy infrastructure have intensified as weather conditions worsen, temperatures drop, and heating demands increase.
"The strikes killed and wounded dozens of civilians, and left millions of Ukrainians without electricity, heat, and water for long periods," she said.
"The impact of these attacks is felt most strongly by the most vulnerable populations: the elderly, children, and people with limited mobility," DiCarlo added.
The evacuation continues
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) spokesman, Ramesh Rajasingham, said evacuations of civilians in areas along the front line were continuing in dangerous conditions.
"In recent days, evacuations have continued in the Donetsk region, with many children, elderly people, and people with disabilities among those evacuated," Rajasingham said.
Upon arrival in safer areas, many need shelter and medical care.
Strike with the "Nut"
During one of the most recent large-scale bombings, on the night of January 8-9, the Russian Federation reportedly launched 242 drones and 36 missiles at Ukraine, DiCarlo noted. In Kyiv, at least four people were reportedly killed and 25 others were injured. Among the dead was a paramedic rushing to provide emergency medical care to the injured.
Power facilities and residential buildings were damaged, leaving half the city without heat. The Qatari embassy was also damaged.
That same day, an Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile was reportedly launched against the western part of the Lviv region, near the Polish border. "This was the second use of this potentially destructive weapon against Ukraine since 2024. The Oreshnik system is believed to be nuclear-capable, which has heightened concerns about its deployment," DiCarlo said.
She recalled the drone strikes on foreign-flagged vessels on January 8 in the Odesa region and the attacks on the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions on January 7, which left more than a million people without water and heating.
Civilian casualties
Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has confirmed the deaths of at least 14,999 civilians, including 763 children. 40,601 civilians, including 2,486 children, have been injured. The actual figures are likely higher, DiCarlo noted. According to the Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, 2025 has been the deadliest year for civilians since the beginning of the war.
Strikes on Russian territory
In the Russian Federation, local authorities continue to report civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure as a result of alleged Ukrainian strikes.
There are reports of an escalation of cross-border attacks on Russian oil and energy facilities, some of which have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian and residential infrastructure, DiCarlo said.
"In the Belgorod region, local authorities reported that 600,000 residents were left without electricity, heat, and water following the Ukrainian strike on January 9. Authorities also reported the use of drones in strikes in the Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod regions on January 10, resulting in one death and at least three injuries," the Deputy Secretary-General stated. The UN cannot verify these reports, she added.
DiCarlo emphasized that the UN Secretary-General condemns all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The situation at nuclear facilities is unstable
As fighting intensifies, the situation at Ukrainian nuclear facilities remains extremely volatile, a UN representative noted.
On the night of January 3, at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant – the largest nuclear power plant in Europe – a power outage occurred on one of the high-voltage lines due to fighting.
We urge the Russian Federation and Ukraine to cooperate constructively with the IAEA and immediately cease any military actions near the plant.
Over the past week, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team at the site reported a significant increase in military activity in the areas surrounding the Zaporizhzhya NPP. Explosions were heard in the immediate vicinity of the facility.
"These events are extremely alarming. The IAEA continues its efforts to establish temporary ceasefire zones in areas around the plant to allow for necessary repairs and ensure its safe and secure operation," DiCarlo said.
"We urge the Russian Federation and Ukraine to cooperate constructively with the IAEA and immediately cease all military actions near the plant to reduce the risk of a catastrophic accident," she said.
Call for a ceasefire
DiCarlo recalled that the war, which has lasted for almost four years, “has brought untold suffering to the Ukrainian people, claimed the lives of unimaginable numbers of young people from both countries, caused disruptions to the global economy, and sowed instability in the region and beyond.”
She stressed that the UN highly appreciates the efforts of the United States and all other interested parties working to achieve peace.
“We urge all participants to continue this critical work, including through concrete steps to de-escalate, end ongoing attacks affecting civilians in Ukraine and the Russian Federation, and establish clear parameters for ending this devastating conflict,” the Deputy Secretary-General said.
She reiterated her call for an immediate ceasefire and noted that the UN remains ready to support all constructive efforts in this direction.
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