Since the start of its full-scale invasion, russia has carried out over 167,000 attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine. This was stated by Artem Bondarenko, Chief of the Anti-Terrorist Centre HQ at the Security Service of Ukraine, during his address at the 95th plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly.

‘Ukraine’s experience demonstrates that russia systematically uses terrorist methods as an instrument of state policy. Since February 2022, Ukraine has recorded over 167,000 attacks on civilian targets. The winter attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure were particularly telling examples of russian terror. Their aim was to deprive millions of people of electricity, heating, water and other basic necessities for survival in conditions of extremely low temperatures,’ said Artem Bondarenko.

He also emphasised that, in addition to strikes on civilian infrastructure, the aggressor state is active in other areas. Notably, it is perpetually launching cyber-attacks and recruiting Ukrainian citizens to carry out terrorist attacks and acts of sabotage.

‘Ukraine is systematically countering the enemy’s attempts to recruit Ukrainians for sabotage and terrorism via online platforms. In most such cases, the russian intelligence services attempt to exploit vulnerable sections of the population and minors,’ added the Chief of the SSU’s Anti-Terrorist Centre HQ.

He drew particular attention to the issue of nuclear security, as russia regularly threatens the operation of nuclear facilities in Ukraine. Such threats include military operations near nuclear power stations, strikes on radioactive waste storage facilities, and attacks on energy infrastructure linked to nuclear sites.

‘The occupation and militarisation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, combined with russia’s deployment of nuclear weapons in belarus, has created an unprecedented situation of nuclear intimidation and pressure, threatening the entire European continent. Ukraine is convinced that effectively countering terrorism in the context of armed conflicts requires strengthened international coordination, the protection of critical infrastructure, and accountability for those responsible for attacks on the civilian population,’ Artem Bondarenko concluded.