UN Chief António Guterres on Ukraine War: Devastating Consequences and Call for Ceasefire

Devastating Consequences of the War

• 💔 The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has brought immense suffering and instability to the region and beyond.
• 💥 Intense fighting has led to record levels of civilian casualties, with over 14,000 civilians killed and 36,000 injured, including hundreds of children.
• 🏠 Critical civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, and hospitals, is being destroyed, severely disrupting access to essential services like water, electricity, healthcare, and education.
• ⚡ Massive strikes on energy infrastructure threaten to leave millions without power during winter, and the threat to nuclear sites, particularly Zaporizhzhia, remains a grave concern.

Diplomatic Efforts and Challenges

• 🤝 While diplomatic engagement has occurred, progress towards a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire and a lasting peace settlement remains painfully slow.
• 🕊️ Recent high-level diplomatic efforts, including talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, have facilitated prisoner exchanges and opened channels for humanitarian concerns, but a lasting solution is not yet in sight.
• ⚠️ Every day of continued fighting undermines the chances for diplomacy and increases the dangers of further escalation.

International Law and UN's Role

• ⚖️ Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law and must stop immediately.
• 🌍 The UN remains mobilized to provide life-saving aid and calls on donors to scale up contributions to the humanitarian response plan.
• 🇺🇳 The UN's position is to respect and protect civilians, mitigate the regional and global impact of the conflict, and uphold the UN Charter.

Call for Sustainable Peace

• 📢 UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterates his appeal for a full, comprehensive, and sustainable ceasefire.
• 🌟 This ceasefire should pave the way for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace aligned with the United Nations Charter and international law.
• 🕊️ The United Nations is committed to supporting all meaningful efforts to end the war and build a future of dignity, security, and peace for all.