"While Ukraine, together with its partners, are working to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace, Russia responds with new missiles and drones against our cities and our people. This contrast speaks for itself. Pressure on Russia must be intensified to force it to end the war," Andrii Sybiha emphasized.

For his part, Tom Fletcher briefed the Minister on the outcomes of his visit to Kherson, where people continue to live and work under constant Russian attacks. The Minister highly appreciated the personal engagement of the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator and his readiness to visit Ukraine's frontline regions, to witness the real need of people firsthand, and to help identify practical solutions in support of them.

The interlocutors paid particular attention to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in temporarily occupied Oleshky. Andrii Sybiha underscored the need to ensure access to the people who remain under occupation and require urgent assistance.

"Access to these communities and the ability to deliver assistance to the people there are essential. Ukraine would welcome any possible efforts by the United Nations to help secure humanitarian access and provide the necessary assistance to our citizens in occupied Oleshky," the Head of the MFA underscored.

With another winter approaching, the parties also discussed preparedness and support for the most vulnerable communities, particularly in frontline regions. The Minister noted that systematic Russian strikes on energy and other critical civilian infrastructure create additional humanitarian risks and require an early and coordinated response.

A separate subject of discussion was the situation in the Black Sea. Andrii Sybiha briefed on the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports, maritime infrastructure, and civilian vessels, which pose threats to freedom of navigation, international trade, and global food security. The Minister stressed the importance of an active UN role in safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.

Andrii Sybiha thanked Tom Fletcher for his personal engagement and highly commended the scale of the UN's humanitarian support for Ukraine. Since 2022, the Organization has mobilized more than USD 12 billion in humanitarian assistance for people affected by Russia's war against Ukraine.

The parties agreed to remain in close contact and to focus on practical solutions that would help protect people's lives, ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable communities, and respond to new humanitarian challenges caused by Russian aggression