“War is not the solution. War is the problem,” says Guterres

On the eve of the first anniversary of the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the General secretary of the UN, António Guterres, declared today in the General Assembly “that the Russian invasion of Ukraine represents a disastrous milestone for the Ukrainian people and for the international community”.

“This invasion is an affront to our collective conscience.. It is a violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. It is having dramatic humanitarian and human rights consequences. And the impact is being felt far beyond Ukraine,” he stressed.

Regarding the attempt by the Russian Federation to illegally annex four regions of Ukraine – Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk – an issue previously addressed in the general AssemblyGuterres recalled the Organization’s commitment “to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders.”

He then noted that approximately 40% of Ukrainians need relief aid and recalled that the UN launched last week a humanitarian appeal of 5.6 billion dollars for the people of Ukraine.

Among the achievements of the Organization in the midst of the conflict, Guterres cited the evacuation of civilians trapped in the Azovstal steel plant and the creation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a project that he described as an “important contribution to address the global food insecurity.

Nuclear weapons are totally unacceptable

Despite this, he reiterated the serious threat posed by “irresponsible military activity around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant” and praised the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for achieving the commitment of the parties “to ensure that the area remains safe.”

Similarly, he stressed that “the so-called tactical use of nuclear weapons is totally unacceptable” and reflected that “war is not the solution. War is the problem.”

“Ukrainians, Russians and other peoples need peace. Although the prospects may seem bleak today, we must all work knowing that a genuine and lasting peace must be based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law. The longer the fighting lasts, the more difficult this task will be. We don’t have a moment to lose,” he urged.

The Assembly supports a political solution

Earlier, the President of the General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, highlighted the “year of despair, displacement, destruction and death of a magnitude not seen in Europe for decades”.

“Eight million refugees spread across Europe and beyond. Six million internally displaced people, two thirds of them women and children, with separated families often unaware of the fate of their loved ones. Millions of Ukrainians without power, water or heating in the dead of winter due to the systematic attack on civilian infrastructure.

Kőrösi indicated that the General Assembly showed its strong support for finding a political solution to the conflict when adopted three resolutions referring to dialogue, negotiations, mediation or other peaceful means.

“This war will come to an end. And the moment of reconstruction, reconciliation and transformation will come. We know it won’t be easy. We know the scars run deep. Culture, family ties, sports, the arts and recognition of humanity’s shared destiny will undoubtedly help nations currently facing each other in the trenches,” he declared.

So far, 77 speakers have requested the floor to intervene in this debate, which is estimated to last until tomorrow or Friday morning, and after which the vote on a resolution is expected to withdraw the request from the Assembly General for Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory.