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MRC’s annual report and accounts presented to Parliament pursuant to paragraphs 2(2) and 3(3) of schedule 1 to the Science and Technology Act 1965.

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The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a national funding agency dedicated to improving human health by supporting research across the entire spectrum of medical sciences, in universities and hospitals, in MRC units, centres and institutes in the UK, and in MRC units in Africa.

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• Security Council

Escalating Attacks on Ukraine’s Civilian, Energy Infrastructure Making Humanitarian Aid Delivery Even More Dangerous, Relief Chief Tells Security Council

Amid Moscow’s intensified attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure — causing extensive damage to energy facilities, compromising water supply in certain areas and disrupting electricity access for millions of civilians — the delivery of humanitarian assistance is even more dangerous, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, as delegates condemned this pattern of aggression and detailed their humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. 

Lisa Doughten, Director of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ Financing and Partnerships Division, speaking on behalf of Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that her Office recorded over 700 civilian casualties across Ukraine in April, including 129 deaths, a significant increase from March.  Since 22 March, there have been five waves of attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure, particularly in Kharkiv and Dnipro regions, causing rolling power outages and affecting millions nationwide.  Moreover, attacks on ports are threatening their ability to export grain at a time of rising food insecurity. 

Despite the spike in hostilities and the related risks, “the UN and its humanitarian partners are doing everything we can to reach people in need of support”, she said.  From the beginning of January until the end of March, 3.6 million people across the country received some form of assistance, and so far this year, 12 inter-agency convoys have delivered vital supplies to 20,000 people in front-line areas.  Yet reaching civilians in areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia — currently under Moscow’s occupation — remains a challenge, she observed, urging all parties to facilitate rapid, unimpeded humanitarian relief to the 1.5 million people who require life-saving assistance.

Caitlin Howarth, Director of the Conflict Observatory at the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, said that 223 damage events across 23 of Ukraine’s 24 oblasts were identified between 1 October 2022 and 30 April 2023.  “That’s a rate of over 7 damage events identified per week, with peak impact timed for the height of winter,” she stated, noting that these “strikes of retribution” — as described by Russian Federation politicians — mean extended periods without water, productivity lost, education fragmented and “blackouts that last longer than the emergency batteries on life-saving health-care equipment”. 

Against this backdrop, she asserted:  “As Russia’s officials have comprehensively planned and executed their destruction of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, so should the international community systematically counteract this devastation.”  She called on it to “target the missiles” through enforced sanctions; “prepare for emergency” by mobilizing resources today to ensure civilian survival this winter; and “let Russia pay” by releasing Russian Federation assets seized under global sanctions to fund these emergency preparations.  “Above all else, do not underestimate the scale of this threat,” she stressed.

In the ensuing discussion, many delegates condemned Moscow’s massive attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure, noting that the worrying developments in Kharkiv Oblast demonstrate the humanitarian impact of the intensified hostilities.  Several — among them the representative of Denmark, also speaking for Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden — expressed support for the upcoming first peace summit on Ukraine, which will take place in Switzerland on 15-16 June.

The representative of France observed that Moscow’s attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity for which no impunity must be allowed.  He welcomed the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants issued on 5 March 2024 against senior officials of the Russian Air Force and the Russian Black Sea Fleet for the campaign of missile strikes against Ukrainian civilian energy infrastructure. 

Guyana’s speaker expressed particular concern about the continuing attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, stating:  “This cannot and must not continue”.  

Calling for an immediate halt to “this destructive campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure,” the United Kingdom’s representative said that Moscow aims to terrorize civilians, obstruct livelihoods and businesses, and ultimately break down Ukraine’s resolve.  However, “Ukrainians will not allow Russia to do that”, she said.  She reiterated London’s commitment of $55 million to the Energy Community’s Ukraine Energy Support Fund, and over $214 million in overall support to the country’s energy sector.

Echoing her sentiment, the United States’ delegate recalled that his country recently announced $1 billion in new assistance for Ukraine, which includes urgently needed air-defence equipment.  And since February 2022, Washington, D.C., has provided nearly $2.9 billion in aid to Ukraine and its neighbours — including life-saving support for the 3.4 million people that remain internally displaced and the nearly 6.5 million refugees. The speaker for Sierra Leone called for fully funding the 2024 humanitarian response plan for Ukraine, while the representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, pledged that “the EU will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

The speaker for Poland said that the purpose of Moscow’s barbaric actions is clear:  to destroy the lives of Ukrainian people and make large parts of Ukraine uninhabitable.  In this context, he voiced particular concern over the ongoing deportations and transfers of Ukrainian children and their forced “Russification”.  Slovenia’s delegate noted the death rate of children jumped nearly 40 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last year. 

For his part, the Russian Federation’s representative pointed to Western countries’ failure to condemn the latest terrorist attack on 12 May, when the peaceful Russian city of Belgorod once again was targeted by a large-scale missile strike, killing 15 civilians.  Western countries continue to provide long-range weapons to the Kyiv junta in “the illusory hope of inflicting a strategic defeat upon the Russian Federation”.  However, this will only prolong the Kyiv regime and cost the lives of tens — if not hundreds — of thousands of ordinary Ukrainians.

Ukraine’s delegate said that Moscow launched a new offensive on 10 May, targeting the northern Kharkiv region with the immediate aim of taking the city of Vovchansk.  While Ukrainian forces are holding the line to prevent Russian troops from advancing to Kharkiv — the second-largest Ukrainian city — he said that heavy defensive battles are under way, and the situation remains extremely dangerous for local civilians.  Noting that Ukraine is now “the only country in the world being attacked by ballistic and cruise missiles almost daily,” he stated:  “The more active the world is now in restoring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine, the more likely it is that others in the world will not become the victims of similar aggression.”

MAINTENANCE OF PEACE AND SECURITY OF UKRAINE

LISA DOUGHTEN, Director, Financing and Partnerships Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs , speaking on behalf of Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that her Office recorded over 700 civilian casualties across Ukraine in April, including 129 deaths. While 90 per cent of the casualties occurred in Ukrainian-controlled territory, strikes have also been reported inside the Russian Federation, including on Sunday in the Belgorod region, reportedly causing several deaths and damage to residential homes.  Attacks on civilian infrastructure across Ukraine have intensified. “Since 22 March 2024, the UN and its partners have seen five waves of attacks directed against the Ukraine’s energy infrastructure,” she said.  Kharkiv and Dnipro regions are particularly affected. The country’s Energy Ministry reported that up to 250,000 residents have experienced rolling power outages in Kharkiv and ongoing restrictions in Dnipro since March. 

Noting “the stark impact of these power cuts on the most vulnerable”, she said that they have temporarily left millions of households across the country with no power, water or gas needed for cooking, heating and hygiene. “Children who rely on online schooling are not able to learn.  Older persons with mobility impairments, persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices, and mothers with small children are unable to leave multi-story apartment buildings to access food and medical support,” she said.  She cited a new pattern of attacks on railway infrastructure in the east and south — with OHCHR recording 10 such attacks in Government-controlled territory in April alone.  Also concerning are attacks on factories and production plants, limiting the availability of locally procured humanitarian goods, and on port infrastructure, threatening their ability to export grain and other agricultural commodities at a time of rising food insecurity. 

Reported attacks damaging energy infrastructure and oil refineries in the Russian Federation “risk enflaming the war further and worsening its humanitarian impacts”, she said.  “The intensification in hostilities is making the delivery of humanitarian assistance all the more dangerous.  Nevertheless, the UN and its humanitarian partners are doing everything we can to reach people in need of support, despite the enormous risks,” she said.  From the beginning of January until the end of March, 3.6 million people across the country received some form of humanitarian assistance, and so far this year 12 inter-agency convoys have delivered vital supplies to 20,000 people in front-line areas.  Assistance has also included the delivery of health-care services to nearly 860,000 people, and emergency water supplies for over 1.2 million people.  Humanitarian protection activities have been expanded, including gender-based violence support for people newly displaced by hostilities.

Commending Ukraine’s Government for the extra support it has announced for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence — in the form of financial reparations and medical and psychological assistance — she said donors have so far given $669 million, 22 per cent, of the $3.1 billion needed under the Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.  “Another challenge remains reaching civilians in areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia that are currently under the occupation of the Russian Federation,” she observed, voicing concern over the estimated 1.5 million people requiring life-saving assistance there and urging all parties to allow and facilitate the rapid, unimpeded humanitarian relief.  This war has caused the death and injury of tens of thousands of people in Ukraine, displaced millions, caused immense suffering and left more than 14 million people — 40 per cent of the population — in need of humanitarian assistance, she said, calling on the Council “to seek an end to it”.

CAITLIN HOWARTH, Director of the Conflict Observatory at the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab , recalling recent missile strikes on three thermal plants and two hydroelectric power plants in Ukraine, noted that — by some counts — “near every single power plant” has been targeted.  Citing a report released by her Lab on 29 February 2024 documenting verified damage to Ukraine’s power-generation-and-transmission infrastructure that occurred between 1 October 2022 and 30 April 2023, she said that 223 damage events across 23 of Ukraine’s 24 oblasts were identified.  She noted: “That’s a rate of over 7 damage events identified per week, with peak impact timed for the height of winter.” On 8 May 2024, almost 12 Ukrainian power facilities were reportedly struck in a single day and, since March 2024, successful targeting of power-generation facilities has further slashed Ukraine’s capacity.  “Each hit compounds the problem,” she observed.

She went on to point out that Russian Federation officials have clearly stated their objectives for targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure:  first, to advance Moscow’s military objectives; second, to retaliate for Ukraine’s purported actions; and third, to inflict harm on civilians to compel Kyiv to submit to negotiations favourable to Moscow.  She stressed that, while the first justification “may” be lawful under the law of war, the other two likely violate international humanitarian law. Further, while the Lab did not assess the degree of dual-use afforded by the energy infrastructure documented in its report, the law of armed conflict prohibits attacks on both civilian and military targets if the attack causes excessive civilian casualties, damage to civilian objects or a combination of these relative to any concrete or direct military advantage anticipated.  Recalling a definition of Moscow’s campaign by a State Duma member — that it is aimed against Ukraine’s “whole energy infrastructure” — she emphasized:  “A comprehensive campaign, by its own definition, defies proportionality.”

She noted further comments by Russian Federation politicians that “strikes of retribution” on Ukraine’s power infrastructure will make Ukrainians “sit there without gas and without electricity and without everything”. Asking and answering what this means, she said it means extended periods without water, productivity lost, education fragmented and “blackouts that last longer than the emergency batteries on life-saving health-care equipment”.  Against that backdrop, she urged:  “As Russia’s officials have comprehensively planned and executed their destruction of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, so should the international community systematically counteract this devastation.”  To this end, she called on the international community to “target the missiles” through enforced sanctions; “prepare for emergency” by mobilizing resources today to ensure civilian survival this winter; and “let Russia pay” by releasing Russian Federation assets seized under global sanctions to fund these emergency preparations.  “Above all else, do not underestimate the scale of this threat,” she underscored. 

The representative of France said that the Russian Federation has shown no concern about its obligation to minimize injury to civilians and damage to civilian objects.  These practices may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity for which no impunity must be allowed.  The International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants issued on 5 March 2024 against senior officials of the Russian Air Force and the Russian Black Sea Fleet for the campaign of missile strikes against Ukrainian civilian energy infrastructure are a decisive step.  He also welcomed the renewal of the mandate of the Human Rights Council’s Independent Commission of Inquiry, which documents indiscriminate attacks against Ukraine’s populations and critical infrastructure.  He noted that mitigating the humanitarian consequences of this war by strengthening the resilience of strategic infrastructure will be a key topic at the peace conference hosted by Switzerland in June.

The representative of Ecuador expressed concern over the continued suffering in Ukraine and risk to regional and global instability. “The statistics are alarming,” he said, citing increased intensity and frequency of attacks against essential infrastructure, the destruction of hospitals and schools, and attacks disabling several energy facilities this month, affecting millions of people’s access to electricity and clean water.  The impact of attacks in the Kharkiv region has been equally devastating, with numerous civilian casualties and a significant increase in internal displacement.  Condemning these attacks, he declared:  “International humanitarian law is explicit in its prohibition of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.”  The warring parties must adhere strictly to the principles of proportionality, distinction and precaution to avoid escalating this cycle of suffering. 

The representative of Guyana sounded alarm over the unrelenting attacks on residential buildings, schools, medical and energy facilities and grain ports since the start of the war.  “These attacks were often unrelated to frontline engagement and appeared to have little regard for the requirement of proportionality and military necessity,” she observed.  She noted the international community continues to witness large-scale coordinated attacks on civilian infrastructure, including dozens of energy facilities, resulting in disrupted access to electricity and water supply for millions of people in multiple locations.  They are not only causing incidental civilian harm through the disruption of access to critical services but also resulting in loss of civilian lives and injury to those in near-to-target sites.  There have also been attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, despite the many calls to end the attacks on or near the site, she cautioned, stating:  “This cannot and must not continue”.

The representative of Japan expressed regret that the Council heard another briefing “about the many civilian casualties caused by the clear violation of the UN Charter by a permanent member of the Security Council”. Underscoring that attacks against civilian populations and infrastructure are “clearly prohibited” under international law, he also condemned Pyongyang’s export and Moscow’s procurement of ballistic missiles — as well as the latter’s use of these missiles against Ukraine. This transfer — a clear violation of relevant Council resolutions — supports Moscow’s war of aggression and increases the suffering of the Ukrainian people, he stressed, adding: “We continue to monitor closely what North Korea gains in return.”  He also detailed his country’s support of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which includes the provision of two large autotransformers, six mobile-power-supply vehicles and five advanced gas turbines.  “Japan remains committed to supporting the Ukrainian people through bolstering the electricity and heating supplies in Ukraine,” he said.

The representative of Algeria expressed grave concern about the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including energy and power plants.  In addition, the worsening tensions and pursuit of hostilities have had dangerous repercussions on the international arena.  He reiterated an appeal for diplomatic efforts to avoid a further humanitarian crisis and address human suffering without distinction.  Civilians must be protected in line with the UN Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law.  He called on all parties to set aside the mindset of confrontation and find what is needed to restore comprehensive and constructive dialogue.

The representative of the United Kingdom observed that this spring, the Russian Federation has targeted power plants, electricity sub-stations and gas storage facilities across Ukraine.  Calling for an immediate halt to “this destructive campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure,” she said that millions of people already face disruption to power, heating and water supply.  “These attacks are making an appalling humanitarian situation even worse,” she said, noting that this is especially the case for frontline communities, as the attacks and lack of power hamper humanitarian partners’ communications and movements.  This pattern of aggression continues in an attempt to terrorize civilians, obstruct livelihoods and businesses, and ultimately break down Ukraine’s resolve; however, she stated, “Ukrainians will not allow Russia to do that”.  London has committed $55 million to the Energy Community’s Ukraine Energy Support Fund and over $214 million in overall support to the energy sector in Ukraine, she added.

The representative of the United States said that the Russian Federation’s large-scale attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure are a “clear escalation” that threaten critical services.  “Next week, this Council will be subjected to yet another meeting where Russia will claim that Western arms are to blame for prolonging the war it started,” he noted, urging that Moscow “need only look in the mirror” to understand why more than 50 countries provided support to Ukraine’s forces.  In April 2024, the United States announced $1 billion in new assistance for Ukraine, which includes urgently needed air-defence equipment. Further, since February 2022, the United States has provided nearly $2.9 billion in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and its neighbours — including life-saving support for the 3.4 million that remain internally displaced and the nearly 6.5 million refugees.  He added that newly approved supplemental funding will help maintain the humanitarian response amidst “unabated” attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure.

The representative of the Russian Federation said that if Western colleagues were striving to convey to the international community at least “an iota of the truth” about what’s happening in Ukraine, then they would not be sweeping it under the rug.  Rather, they would condemn the latest terrorist attack on 12 May, when the peaceful Russian city of Belgorod once again was targeted by a large-scale missile strike.  A residential building was partially destroyed by a missile launched from Ukrainian-controlled territory, killing 15 civilians.  He also highlighted the culpability of Western countries that continue to provide long-range weapons to the Kyiv junta in “the illusory hope of inflicting a strategic defeat upon the Russian Federation.”

On 20 May, the Council will discuss these destructive actions of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries.  In early May, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, David Cameron, made a revelatory statement that the weapons provided by London could be used to carry out strikes against Russian territories, including areas beyond the special military operations’ confines.  The formulas or plans advanced by the Ukrainian henchman and his Western sponsors are so divorced from reality. Any discussion on them will become a pure loss of time, and “you will become complicit” in prolonging the Kyiv regime, with the cost of this being tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of the lives of ordinary Ukrainians.

The representative of Slovenia noted that, since early April, over 1,000 drone and missile attacks were recorded across Ukraine, forcing thousands to flee as their homes are being destroyed.  She noted a reported 140 educational facilities were destroyed or damaged in attacks across the country in 2024 alone.  And according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the death rate of children jumped nearly 40 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last year.  She further condemned Moscow’s use of cluster munitions in its bombardment of Odessa in late April, stressing that “using such weapons in a densely populated area is against all rules of international humanitarian law”.   “These attacks seek to impair Ukraine’s economy and are obviously not directed against military targets.  This is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and it needs to stop now,” she said, adding:  “Ukrainian civilians have suffered too long.  We call on Russia to stop with its subversive actions and give peace a chance.”

The representative of Sierra Leone expressed concern that attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have resulted in major disruptions of essential services, such as electricity, water and gas to medical facilities, manufacturing industries and places of work for “a significant portion of the population”.  This slows production and reduces economic activity, and he also expressed alarm over the impact on health-care facilities — including those with incubators and other life-saving devices.  On that, he noted that such facilities “in some cases had to resort to the use of batteries that ran out before the re-establishment of power — putting the lives of many at risk”.  Given the devastating impact of the conflict on the civilian population, he called on the parties involved to adhere to their obligations under international law to protect civilian populations and infrastructure — including energy facilities. He also called for the full funding of the 2024 humanitarian response plan for Ukraine.

The representative of Malta noted the Russian Federation’s aerial assaults against Ukrainian power generation and transmission facilities in several regions last week.  This deadly trend encompasses daily drone, missile, rocket and artillery attacks in Kharkiv, Odesa, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions — “yet another example of Russia’s disregard for human life.”  As of today, more than 800 heat supply facilities have been destroyed or damaged and the attacks have caused more than $1 billion worth of damage to the energy sector, she said, expressing full support for the important work undertaken by the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

The representative of Switzerland condemned the massive attacks on the civilian population and infrastructure across Ukraine, which have killed and injured civilians in populated areas.  Last week alone, several children were injured, and schools and a hospital were damaged, she observed, stating:  “As Ukraine fights for its future, all those who can build it — including children — must be protected.”  Noting an increase in attacks on critical energy infrastructures, she said that, in total, nine regions across Ukraine — including those far from the front lines — have experienced disruptions to their electricity supply in the past week.  In addition, the situation around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains worrying.  Determined to do everything in its power to contribute to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, Switzerland will host the first High-Level Summit for Peace in Ukraine on 15 and 16 June, she said, stressing the need “to define together a road map on how to involve both sides in a future peace process”.

The representative of the Republic of Korea underscored that Moscow’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are unacceptable, as targeting such infrastructure violates international humanitarian law. He further stressed that, today, critical energy infrastructure “holds far more significance in people’s daily lives than decades ago” when such law was created.  In addition to hindering millions of Ukrainians’ access to electricity in the short-term, the destruction of energy infrastructure has long-enduring impacts on the humanitarian situation in that country. A recent report by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) highlights a domino effect where such destruction leads to the disruption of other basic services such as water and sanitation.  Noting that the lack of such services can impair the operation of hospitals and the viability of food production — leading to the spread of disease, death and displacement — he underscored that the Russian Federation’s illegal invasion “must end now to save lives and restore humanity”.

The representative of China said that his country is neither the creator of the Ukraine crisis nor a party to it.  It has long campaigned for peace and a political settlement.  The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected.  At the same time, the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously.  In his recent visits to France, Serbia and Hungary, President Xi Jinping had an in-depth exchange of views with European leaders on the Ukraine crisis.  China and Europe should work together to oppose the spillover and escalation of the fighting, create conditions for peace talks, and safeguard international energy, food security and the stability of the global supply chain.  His country and France also agreed to seize the Paris Olympics as an opportunity to advocate a worldwide ceasefire.

The representative of Mozambique , Council President for May, spoke in his national capacity to highlight the devastating implications of the war in Ukraine for the humanitarian situation in the country.  Noting that “the prospects for a mutually accepted solution remain elusive,” mainly due to the conflicting parties’ firm belief in the primacy of military and zero-sum game logic at the expense of a cooperative approach, he underscored that the Council’s consistent calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities “can no longer be ignored”.  Against this backdrop, he stressed the need to ensure the protection of civilians and to facilitate full, safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian personnel. 

The representative of Ukraine reported that the Russian Federation launched a new offensive on 10 May, targeting the northern Kharkiv region with the immediate aim of taking the city of Vovchansk.  While Ukrainian forces are holding the line to prevent Moscow’s troops from advancing to Kharkiv – the second-largest Ukrainian city — he said that heavy defensive battles are under way and the situation remains extremely dangerous for local civilians.  He added:  “Russian forces persist in razing Ukrainian towns to the ground without regard for the local population’s suffering, with Vovchansk becoming the latest victim — akin to Bakhmut or Maryinka.”  Detailing numerous attacks committed by “a country that called itself a friend of the UN Charter”, he noted that Ukraine is now “the only country in the world being attacked by ballistic and cruise missiles almost daily”.  Major cities have borne the brunt of these assaults, with devastating consequences.

“All the above crimes cannot be committed perpetually,” he stressed, noting that a summit on peace in Ukraine will take place in Switzerland on 15-16 June.  While stating that “we have invited all peace-loving nations, and each nation can really bring peace closer”, he said that — meanwhile — Moscow intensifies its lies about “a so-called peace deal that Ukraine and Russia were allegedly close to in spring 2022”.  However, it is the Russian Federation President who has been ruining peace in Ukraine for more than a decade — by occupying Crimea and parts of the Donbas in 2014, by obstructing the Minsk and Normandy peace processes, by launching a full-scale war of aggression and then by refusing to end it.  Urging nations to attend the peace summit, he said:  “The more active the world is now in restoring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine, the more likely it is that others in the world will not become the victims of similar aggression.”

The representative of Germany said that the Russian Federation is attacking the foundation of the United Nations and global peace and security.  As a nuclear State, it is invading its neighbour that has renounced nuclear weapons.  By employing arms imported from Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, it defies Security Council resolutions.  To shield its illegal activities, it is dismantling instruments of this Council, such as the Panel of Experts for sanctions against Pyongyang.  His country supports Ukraine with political, humanitarian and military means.  Air defence systems supplied by Germany are actively helping to protect Ukrainian cities.  Berlin has also invested in humanitarian relief efforts.  The upcoming peace summit in Switzerland offers a unique platform.  However, a just and lasting way out is only possible if Moscow renounces its objective of conquest and annexation, he stressed.

The representative of Estonia , also speaking on behalf of Latvia and Lithuania , said that every month, the Russian Federation uses over 130 types of missiles — including those provided by Pyongyang — over 320 Shahed drones and around 900 guided aerial bombs against Ukraine.  As of late, chemical weapons can also be added to that list.  “These weapons are systematically used to kill and maim Ukrainian civilians, destroy homes, schools, hospitals and places of cultural heritage, attack food storage facilities and wipe out Ukrainian energy infrastructure,” he stated.  In total, Moscow’s bombs have destroyed over 80 per cent of Ukrainian thermal power plants and 50 per cent of hydroelectric power plants.  

He also highlighted that country’s pattern of “double-tap” attacks targeting civilians and the rescue workers helping them — “the trademarks of Russia’s aggression”.  Accordingly, he underlined the need to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and the restoration of the energy infrastructure across Ukraine, noting that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have altogether contributed over $100 million worth of humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine and “will continue to support Ukraine until the aggressor is defeated.”

The representative of the European Union , in its capacity as observer, underscored that “every discussion on Ukraine must start by restating one unequivocal fact — Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression constitutes a manifest violation of international law”. This is why that country must cease its attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure now, why its leadership must be held fully accountable and why all nations must come together in support of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine.  Stressing that Moscow’s indiscriminate attacks further exacerbate a dire humanitarian situation in Ukraine where over 14 million people require assistance — “you have heard so much about this here today” — he reported that the European Union has stepped up its provision of aid, including power generators and transformers.

The Russian Federation, however, has an obligation to allow such aid to reach all those in need, he said, also recalling the March 2022 legally binding order from the International Court of Justice for Moscow to immediately suspend its military operations in Ukraine.  He also stated that third parties must immediately cease providing material support to the Russian Federation’s war of aggression — “or other kinds of cuddling”.  Reiterating support for peace in Ukraine, he welcomed Switzerland’s initiative to host a peace summit in June and called on all States to participate.  “The EU will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes,” he added and, to Moscow, he said:  “Stop your illegal war, and the illegal and inhumane means you are using to pursue it.”

The representative of Poland said that the Russian Federation is seeking to degrade the Ukrainian economy and society, making large parts of Ukraine uninhabitable. The purpose of these barbaric actions is clear:  to destroy the lives of Ukrainian people and intimidate Ukraine and those who support it.  In this context, he was particularly appalled by the ongoing deportations and transfers of Ukrainian children and their forced “Russification”.  Welcoming Switzerland’s initiative to host a peace summit for Ukraine in June, he voiced support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace formula as a plan for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine and for the enduring security on the European continent.

The representative of Denmark , speaking also for Finland , Iceland , Norway and Sweden , condemned Moscow’s systematic and detrimental attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Noting that since 22 March 2024 there have been five massive attacks damaging over 80 per cent of Ukraine’s non-nuclear power plants, she pointed out that this has included dangerous attacks on hydroelectric infrastructure which increase the risk of environmental disaster.  She extended the Nordic countries’ full support to the upcoming first peace summit on Ukraine in Switzerland, expressing hope that many countries will join.  The Russian Federation’s aggression and its detrimental global consequences “demand united efforts” firmly based on international law, including the UN Charter, and in line with Ukraine’s peace formula.

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Even food made at home can be unhealthy. Medical body ICMR explains

Even if food cooked at home contains high salt or sugar or is rich in fat, it becomes low in nutrient value and high in caloric value, said icmr in new dietary guidelines for indians..

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• Home-cooked food can be unhealthy if it is prepared in high fat, sugar or salt content
• ICMR cautioned about the intake of saturated fats like ghee or butter in food
• Calories are healthy only when accompanied by vitamins, minerals and fibre

In a set of 17 dietary guidelines released last week, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) stated that even home-cooked meals can be "unhealthy" if prepared with high fat, high sugar or salt.

The common notion that home-cooked meals are healthier than food from eateries or food joints was contested by the medical panel in their new dietary guidelines for Indians , stating that foods high in fats, sugar or salt are detrimental for health.

As per ICMR, foods high in fats, sugar or salt (HFSS) are mostly calorie-dense and contain low micronutrients and fibre.

WHY ARE HFSS FOODS UNHEALTHY?

The researchers at the medical panel stated that when foods are high in fat and sugar, they contain a lot of calories that lead to conditions like obesity .

"It also deprives one from taking healthy foods that provide essential macronutrients (amino acids and fats), fibre and micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, bio-active substances," according to the guidelines.

Lack of essential amino acids, fatty acids and micronutrients in the diet can cause conditions like anaemia (when body products less red blood cells), affect cognition (brain function), learning ability, and memory and increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases (such as type 2 diabetes and obesity).