Ukraine: ‘Cycle of death, destruction’ must stop, UN chief tells Security Council

Briefing the Security Council on his shuttle diplomacy last week in Russia and Ukraine, Secretary-General António Guterres declared that he “did not mince words” during meetings with Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy, on the need to end the brutal conflict.

“I said the same thing in Moscow as I did in Kyiv…Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a violation of its territorial integrity and of the Charter of the United Nations,” he told the Ambassadors.    

“It must end for the sake of the people of Ukraine, Russia, and the entire world…the cycle of death, destruction, dislocation and disruption must stop.” 

The UN chief said he had gone into an active war zone in Ukraine, after first travelling to Moscow, without much prospect of any ceasefire – as the east of the country continues to face “a full-scale ongoing attack”.

Prior to the visit, Ukraine issued an appeal to the UN and to him personally over the “dire plight of civilians” in the devastated city of Mariupol and specifically the Azovstal steel plant. 

“In my meeting with President Putin, I therefore stressed the imperative of enabling humanitarian access and evacuations from besieged areas, including first and foremost, Mariupol,” said Mr. Guterres, appealing strongly for a safe and effective humanitarian corridor for civilians to reach safety from the vast Azovstal plant, where hundreds have been living underground for weeks. 

A short time later, he received confirmation of “an agreement in principle”, from the Russian premier.

“We must continue to do all we can to get people out of these hellscapes,” said the UN chief.

Reporting on “some measure of success”, Mr. Guterres outlined the complex humanitarian operation underway, led by the UN and Red Cross (ICRC).

“It began on 29 April and has required enormous coordination and advocacy with the Russian Federation and Ukrainian authorities,” he elaborated. “So far, two safe passage convoys have been successfully completed”. 

The first stage at the weekend, saw 101 civilians safely evacuated to safety to the north of Mariupol, while the second phase on Wednesday night, led to “more than 320” from the region finding a safe haven.

While a third operation is underway, Mr. Guterres would not provide any details until it is completed, “to avoid undermining possible success”.

“It is good to know that even in these times of hyper-communications, silent diplomacy is still possible and is sometimes the only effective way to produce results,” he stated.

The UN will continue to scale up humanitarian operations, save lives and reduce suffering, assured the UN chief, adding that his meetings with both leaders also focused on worldwide food security.

“A meaningful solution to global food insecurity requires reintegrating Ukraine’s agricultural production and the food and fertilizer production of Russia and Belarus into world markets, despite the war,” he underscored.

The Ukraine war is also setting in motion “a crisis that is also devastating global energy markets, disrupting financial systems and exacerbating extreme vulnerabilities for the developing world,” said Mr. Guterres.

“The war…is senseless in its scope, ruthless in its dimensions and limitless in its potential for global harm. It is high time to unite and end this war,” the Secretary-General concluded.