UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting over Russian strikes on Ukraine

The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency session on Thursday following large-scale Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine that killed dozens of civilians, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said.

Sybiha urged Security Council members to take a firm stance on Russia’s actions and to send a clear signal about the need to increase pressure on Moscow.

He also reiterated Ukraine’s call for greater international support, particularly the provision of more air defense systems.

Sybiha noted that it has been 100 days since Kyiv accepted a U.S.-backed ceasefire initiative, while Russia continues to reject peace proposals and strike civilian infrastructure.

On June 17, Russian forces launched a combined assault on Kyiv using 16 cruise missiles, two hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, and dozens of drones, according to Ukrainian authorities. At least 23 people were killed and dozens injured.