Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the conflict continues to stand as “a stain on our collective conscience,” renewing his call for an immediate ceasefire.
Addressing a United Nations Security Council session marking the fourth anniversary of the invasion, Guterres acknowledged diplomatic efforts by the United States and other stakeholders to end the war. However, he stressed that tangible steps were urgently needed to reduce tensions and open the door for meaningful negotiations.
“We have witnessed the cascading consequences of this blatant violation of international law,” he said, referring to Russia’s actions.
Guterres noted the devastating human toll of the war, citing UN estimates that more than 15,000 civilians have been killed and over 41,000 injured since the conflict began. Among the casualties, he said, were approximately 3,200 children.
His remarks were delivered on his behalf by Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
The UN chief also warned of the grave dangers posed by ongoing fighting near Ukraine’s nuclear facilities.
“This unconscionable game of nuclear roulette must cease immediately,” the statement said.
Guterres urged UN member states to fully fund humanitarian operations and emphasized that any resolution to the conflict must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
“Enough with the death. Enough with the destruction. Enough with the broken lives and shattered futures,” he said.
“It is time for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire — the first step toward a just peace that saves lives and ends the endless suffering.”
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