UN chief labels Ukraine war ‘a stain on our collective conscience’

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres highlighted the grim reality of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine during a Security Council session marking four years since Moscow launched its full-scale assault. Wielding his usual sharp words, Guterres emphasized the war as an “inexcusable violation” that has inflicted devastation on Ukrainian soil. He noted over 15,000 civilians killed and more than 41,000 wounded in the conflict, with 3,200 of those victims being children.

Guterres commended allies for their efforts to end hostilities but underscored that concrete steps must be taken to de-escalate tensions. He warned that continued fighting poses risks to Ukraine’s nuclear facilities and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to avert further catastrophe.

“Enough is enough,” Guterres asserted, urging UN members to prioritize funding humanitarian aid and emphasizing the urgent need for a just peace respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. The time had come for both parties to lay down their arms, he stated, as only then could they begin healing the wounds of war.