Ukraine: ‘Use every diplomatic tool to end this war’, high UN official tells Security Council | EUROtoday

Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, delivered remarks on behalf of the Secretary-General, saying “the war remains a stain on our collective conscience.”

It has “shattered lives, devastated communities, and deepened regional and global instability,” she stated.

Death, displacement and assaults on infrastructure

She highlighted the “catastrophic” human toll which incorporates greater than 15,000 civilians killed, 41,000 injured and thousands and thousands pressured to flee their houses, whereas “a whole generation has lost years of education as schools have come under fire.”

Amid the present winter season, characterised by sub-zero temperatures, Russia has intensified strikes towards Ukraine’s vitality system.

As civilians in Russia are additionally more and more affected by reported Ukrainian strikes, she known as for either side to implement a direct moratorium on such assaults.

Click right here for detailed protection of the Security Council assembly.

Nuclear threat

The combating additionally poses direct dangers to the security and safety of Ukraine’s nuclear websites and “this unconscionable game of nuclear roulette must cease immediately.”

As struggle rages on, “the UN is working closely with the Government to repair damaged infrastructure, keep people warm, and sustain critical services,” she stated.

“Despite limited access and the deteriorating security situation, we are also working with local partners to deliver food, water, medical supplies and other humanitarian aid, including to those in front-line communities,” she added, urging Member States to totally fund the humanitarian response.

Critical function for diplomacy

Ms. DiCarlo recalled {that a} 12 months in the past, the Council adopted decision 2774 (2025) imploring “a swift end to the conflict” and urging an enduring peace between Ukraine and Russia.

While commending ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States and others to finish the struggle, she careworn the necessity for concrete measures to each de-escalate the combating and create the house for diplomacy.

“The longer this war continues, the greater the suffering – and the greater the risks for regional and international peace and security,” she warned.

“As complex as the path may be, our collective obligation is clear: use every diplomatic tool to end this war.”

‘Enough with the death’

“The parameters of peace in Ukraine are not a mystery. Any settlement must be just, lasting and comprehensive,” she stated.

Ms. DiCarlo concluded her remarks with a name for motion: “Enough with the death. Enough with the destruction. Enough with the broken lives and shattered futures,” she stated.

“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.”

US abstains in General Assembly vote

Meeting in an emergency particular session, the General Assembly on Tuesday adopted a decision titled “Support for lasting peace in Ukraine”, following a procedural problem by the US that sought separate votes on key paragraphs reaffirming Ukraine’s sovereignty and calling for a complete peace according to worldwide legislation.

The US delegation known as for a separate vote on two paragraphs, arguing that in the event that they had been left in the principle decision it might “distract” from present US-led diplomatic efforts to finish the struggle.

Washington requested that the second preambular paragraph and operative paragraph two – which reiterates the decision for “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations” – be thought-about individually.

The US careworn it welcomed the draft decision’s name for a direct ceasefire however argued that “certain language in the resolution is likely to distract from ongoing negotiations, rather than support discussion of the full range of diplomatic avenues that may pave the way to durable peace.”

Ukraine opposed the transfer. “Weakening or removing this language would send a very dangerous signal that these fundamental principles are negotiable,” its consultant advised the Assembly, calling on Member States to reject the movement.

France likewise urged delegations to vote towards division, warning that “a peace that is not based on the principles of the Charter will simply neither be just nor lasting.”

The procedural vote – or “motion for division” – was rejected by 69 votes towards, 11 in favour, with 62 abstentions.

The General Assembly then adopted the general decision with 107 votes in favour to 12 towards, and 51 abstentions – together with from the US.

The textual content requires “an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire” between the Russia and Ukraine and reiterates assist for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity inside its internationally recognised borders.

It additionally requires the trade of prisoners of struggle and the return of civilians forcibly transferred or deported, together with youngsters.

Click right here for detailed protection of the General Assembly assembly.