Source: UN News: Saturday, 28 February 2026 00:01 AM
The Ukraine war has devastated ordinary lives, destroyed communities and deepened regional and global instability, and is a stain on our collective conscience. A top UN official, addressing the Security Council on Tuesday, said that the international community must adopt every diplomatic measure to end this war. Russian military forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and the war has now entered its fifth year. UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DeCarlo addressed member states at the Security Council on behalf of the UN chief. Tweet URL
He said that 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, 41,000 have been injured, and millions have been forced to flee their homes in this war that has devastated local communities and civilian life. According to the Under-Secretary-General, Ukrainian schools have also been bombed and years of education for an entire generation have been lost. This year, during the freezing winter season, Russia has launched a series of attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities, disrupting power supplies and homes. And the heating system in the buildings is at a standstill. Civilians in the Russian Federation are also being affected by attacks by Ukrainian forces, and in view of this, she urged both sides to immediately voluntarily stop such attacks. Nuclear Risks The Head of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs said that the security of Ukraine’s nuclear sites is also at risk due to the fighting and these risks need to be immediately addressed. Rosemary DeCarlo said that United Nations agencies, Ukrainian We are working with the Government to repair damaged infrastructure and maintain critical services. “Despite limited access and the deteriorating security situation, we are working with local partners to deliver food, water, medical supplies and other humanitarian assistance, including to frontline communities.” The Under-Secretary-General noted that a year ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 2774, calling for an early end to the violent conflict. He welcomed diplomatic efforts by other countries, including the United States, but emphasized concrete measures aimed at preventing war and creating space for diplomacy. “The longer this war drags on, the greater the suffering, and the greater the risks to international peace and security.” According to Rosemary DeCarlo, no matter how to proceed, No matter how complex the path may be, our collective responsibility is clear: every diplomatic means must be used to end this war.