UN statement urges immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine after four years of war

Rosemarie DeCarlo, delivering a statement on behalf of Secretary‑General Guterres, told the council that "four years after the Russian Federation launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine, the war remains a stain on our collective conscience." She said the conflict has produced "shattered lives, devastated communities, and deepened regional and global instability."

DeCarlo offered updated human‑impact figures and humanitarian needs. "More than 15,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since the start of the invasion, and more than 41,000 injured," she said, adding that millions have been forced to flee their homes and that "an estimated 2,200,000 require humanitarian assistance." She highlighted the effect on children: "More than 3,200 children have been killed or injured" and "a whole generation has lost years of education as schools have come under fire."

Addressing attacks on civilian infrastructure, DeCarlo said the Russian Federation "intensified strikes against Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure," resulting in prolonged loss of electricity, heating and water that have put civilians at acute risk during winter. She also noted that civilians in the Russian Federation have been "increasingly affected by reported Ukrainian strikes," and reminded the council that "international humanitarian law is unequivocal" in prohibiting attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. DeCarlo urged "both sides to implement an immediate moratorium on all such attacks."

On nuclear safety, she warned that the fighting "poses direct risks to the safe and secure operations of Ukraine's nuclear sites," calling the situation a "game of nuclear roulette" that "must cease immediately." She praised the International Atomic Energy Agency and its teams "for their critical efforts on the ground despite the serious dangers involved."

DeCarlo described ongoing UN relief work, saying the organization is "working closely with the government of Ukraine to repair damaged infrastructure, keep people warm, and sustain critical services," and urged member states "to fully fund the humanitarian response." She also cited reports from the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of widespread violations, welcomed ongoing prisoner exchanges, and called for the humane treatment and prompt release of prisoners of war and detainees. On children forcibly transferred or deported to the Russian Federation and occupied areas, she said they "must be returned home to their families without delay."

Recalling a prior council action, DeCarlo noted that "a year ago, this council adopted resolution 27 74, imploring a swift end to the conflict," and commended diplomatic efforts by the United States and others. She said any peace must follow international law, "including the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions," and must uphold Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. She concluded: "Enough with the death. Enough with the destruction. . . It is time for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire."

The statement contained no formal motions or votes in this session; it served as the Secretary‑General's account of humanitarian, legal and security concerns and as an appeal to member states for funding and diplomatic action.