Opinion: Peace Talks Should Bring Immediate Relief for Ukrainian Civilians

Ahead of the announced peace talks to be held in coming days between Ukraine, Russia and the United States, I issue an urgent appeal: bring tangible and immediate relief to Ukrainian civilians who are enduring appalling suffering before our very eyes.

A relentless campaign of attacks

In recent weeks, not a day has passed without Ukrainian civilians being killed or injured by Russian attacks as they go about their daily lives. Over the past weekend alone, at least 15 workers perished when a strike hit a bus near a mine in the oblast of Dnipro and several patients and health workers were injured in a maternity ward in Zaporizhzhia. I condemn these attacks, which are but the latest tragic manifestations of a relentless campaign, where civilians are struck in their homes, while on public transportation, or targeted on the streets by drones.

The compounding crisis of winter

This suffering is compounded as the country is gripped by record-cold temperatures. Continuous strikes on civilian energy infrastructure have resulted in widespread and prolonged power outages, severing access to essential heating, water, and electricity.

Reports indicate a stark humanitarian crisis as millions face these harsh winter conditions without basic services necessary to sustain life. With Russia’s latest strikes on Kyiv on Monday night, over 1000 residential buildings are deprived of heating. The Ukrainian authorities and emergency services deserve praise for their tireless efforts to repair damages and assist the population. I also commend the efforts of several states that have increased their humanitarian assistance in recent days and reiterate my urgent call on all Council of Europe member states to continue and increase this vital support.

Upholding international law and accountability

International law is clear: civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected during war. These attacks must end. Those responsible must be held to account and victims must obtain redress. It is imperative that the suffering of the Ukrainian people is addressed with immediate, decisive action.

Tangible protection outcomes as first step for lasting peace

It is thus critical that the protection of civilians be prioritised in ongoing negotiations, with swift, tangible outcomes that would alleviate human suffering. Concrete commitments should include pledges to halt Russian strikes in civilian areas, drone attacks on civilians, and refrain from targeting infrastructure essential for electricity and heating. Additionally, the unconditional release of all civilian detainees held in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including children transferred to Russia, as well as further exchanges of prisoners of war must be high on the agenda.

While these steps represent only the beginning of what is needed to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, they are vital measures to alleviate the immediate suffering and establish a foundation upon which further dialogue can be built.

Peace in Ukraine must be anchored in the international human rights framework. This is not simply a matter of aspiration—but of necessity and obligation. Only by placing the rights and dignity of the Ukrainian people at the centre of all discussions can we hope to secure an enduring and meaningful peace.

The views expressed in this opinion article are the author’s and not necessarily those of Kyiv Post.

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