
Briefing the Security Council on 9 December on Ukraine, Officer-in-charge for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Kayoko Gotoh said that despite cautious optimism around resumed diplomatic efforts, 2025 has been one of the deadliest for the people of Ukraine. She said that the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine between January and November 2025 was 24% higher than in the same period in 2024. And the figures keep rising as the Russian Federation escalates aerial attacks. She added that ensuring the long-term stability of the region must remain our collective focus and priority.