UN secretary-general marks four years since Russia’s invasion, urges immediate, full ceasefire

United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres, in remarks read at a UN briefing, marked four years since what he described as the Russian Federation’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine and called for an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire." The briefing also noted a Security Council meeting on Ukraine scheduled for 3 p.m., during which Under‑Secretary‑General Rosemary DeCarlo was to deliver the secretary‑general’s remarks.

Guterres said the war “is a stain on our collective consciousness and remains a threat to regional and international peace and security,” and warned that the conflict grows deadlier the longer it continues. The spokesman at the briefing said the secretary‑general would stress that any just and lasting peace must be consistent with the UN Charter and international law and must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The briefing included humanitarian reporting from the field. Tom Fletcher, the UN’s under‑secretary‑general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, warned that the human cost continues to rise, with homes, hospitals and schools being struck and energy infrastructure systematically targeted. Matias Shmali, identified at the briefing as the humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, said roughly 11 million people—about a quarter of the country’s population—require humanitarian assistance, and cited last year’s civilian toll as at least 2,500 killed and more than 12,000 injured.

Why it matters: The secretary‑general’s statement frames the UN’s diplomatic and humanitarian priorities on Ukraine for the coming weeks and signals an appeal to member states to back humanitarian appeals and diplomatic efforts. The scheduled Security Council briefing will be a focal point for member states to respond and for the UN to report operational needs.

Details and next steps: The briefing reiterated calls for donors to fund humanitarian appeals for Ukraine and other crises. The Security Council session announced at the briefing was expected to take place later the same day with DeCarlo presenting the secretary‑general’s remarks.