Coalition of more than 40 countries condemns May 23–24 attacks on Ukraine

A presenter reading a joint statement on behalf of more than 40 countries and the European Union condemned what it called “one of the largest combined attacks” on Ukraine on the night of May 23–24, saying Russian forces used “hundreds of aerial weapons,” including ballistic and cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The presenter said Kyiv suffered “one of the most devastating attacks” and that many other regions were severely affected, with “many civilians killed and injured across Ukraine.” The statement called the assaults on civilians and critical energy infrastructure “grave violations of international humanitarian law” and demanded they cease immediately.

The coalition also alleged that Russian forces struck the city identified in the transcript as "Vila Cerkva." The presenter described that strike as involving an "Oreshnik medium range ballistic missile specifically designed to carry nuclear warheads." That characterization was presented as part of the joint statement; the statement did not provide independent verification of the missile’s design or payload.

The statement called for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and listed specific humanitarian measures: a complete exchange of prisoners of war; the release of all unlawfully detained persons; and the safe return of civilians who have been forcefully transferred or deported, including what the statement described as "thousands of Ukrainian children." The presenter offered these measures as confidence-building steps toward meaningful peace efforts.

The coalition said Russia’s war of aggression constitutes a continuing violation of the Charter of the United Nations and of fundamental principles of international law, and demanded the Russian Federation “immediately cease its war of aggression” and withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

The presenter reaffirmed the group’s commitment to ensuring accountability for crimes under international law and said the coalition supports efforts by the United States, European countries and other member states aimed at bringing the war to an end. The statement also condemned reported threats to diplomatic institutions and embassies in Kyiv as unacceptable.

The reading concluded with the presenter thanking the assembly for its attention.