Ukraine: “This Week Alone, More Than 100 Civilians Were Killed” - Briefing | United Nations

Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council that the attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukraine have reached a “new horrifying level.” He called on the sides to “work towards a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire leading to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine.” The Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs briefed the Council today on the situation in Ukraine. Khiari noted that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has recorded this week alone, more than 100 civilians were killed and at least 429 others injured across Ukraine. He also remains “deeply” concerned by the rising number of civilian casualties as a result of stepped-up attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces in the Russian Federation. The senior UN official also underscored that the recent escalation of attacks on maritime trade routes, combined with attacks on Ukraine’s port, transport, grain and other agricultural infrastructure, continues to drive up global food prices. He said, “the United Nations welcomes and supports all diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and ensuring safe civilian navigation in the Black Sea.” The UN urged the sides to “engage constructively to reach agreement on credible arrangements that can be implemented and sustained, and we stand ready to support these efforts,” Khiari added. The Assistant Secretary-General reiterated, “the current cycle of escalating attacks against civilians must end now before the civilian toll reaches new, devastating levels. The rising regional tensions must not be allowed to spiral into an even more dangerous escalation.” He continued, “diplomacy and dialogue must prevail and be given a genuine chance to succeed. Recent diplomatic engagements should be stepped up and lead to meaningful results towards peace.” He called on the sides to “work towards a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire leading to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with international law, including the United Nations Charter and relevant UN resolutions.” “It is time to end this war. The United Nations stands ready to support all meaningful efforts to that end,” the Assistant Secretary-General concluded.