Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 23, 2025 Peace and security
At a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Ukraine, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the widespread humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict and reiterated his call for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to diplomacy.
High-level meeting
A high-level meeting on Ukraine was held on Tuesday at the Security Council at the initiative of the five European members of the Council – France, Denmark, Greece, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom. The meeting is chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.
A number of Council members and other meeting participants are represented by heads of state or foreign ministers, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The suffering of civilians in Ukraine and Russia
"For more than three years, Ukrainian civilians have been subjected to relentless shelling in their homes, schools, hospitals, and shelters. Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited by international law. They must stop immediately," Guterres said.
According to him, the number of missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities has reached a record high, resulting in the highest civilian casualties since the war began. "More than 14,000 Ukrainian civilians, including hundreds of children, have been killed. Another 36,000 have been wounded. And these are only the confirmed figures," the UN chief emphasized.
The Secretary-General noted that the war is not limited to Ukraine: civilians inside the Russian Federation are also falling victim to shelling. He also expressed particular concern about attacks on energy infrastructure, which threaten to leave millions without power and heat as we enter our fourth winter of war.
Nuclear safety
Guterres specifically addressed the threat to nuclear security, emphasizing the need to protect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and other facilities. "All parties must comply with their obligations under international law and ensure their safety," he warned.
UN support
The Secretary-General noted that the UN continues to provide vital humanitarian assistance, but additional resources are needed. He called on donors to increase funding for the humanitarian response plan and ensure safe and unimpeded access to the most vulnerable.
In his speech, the UN chief recalled that this year the international community marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. "Recent incidents affecting neighboring countries remind us of the real danger of conflict escalation and the threat to European security," he emphasized.
Searching for diplomatic solutions
Guterres praised the efforts of states to find diplomatic solutions. In particular, he welcomed the political will demonstrated by the United States and other countries, as well as the direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul, which led to the return of hundreds of prisoners of war and opened channels for resolving humanitarian issues, including the fate of deported Ukrainian children.
However, he said, "progress toward a much-needed ceasefire and a sustainable peace settlement remains painfully slow." Each new day of fighting, he noted, reduces the chances of diplomatic success and increases the risk of escalation.
The Secretary-General recalled that all UN Member States have a responsibility to resolve international disputes through peaceful means. "I reiterate my call for a complete, universal, and sustainable ceasefire. A ceasefire that will pave the way for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace—a peace in accordance with the UN Charter, international law, and the resolutions of the Organization," Guterres concluded his speech.
He said the UN stands ready to support any meaningful effort to end the war and build a future based on dignity, security, and peace for all.
Ukrainian President: Russia only wants war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated at a Security Council meeting that the UN does not have the same influence as before and is often unable to find solutions to fundamental issues.
According to Zelenskyy, the Russian Federation, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is doing everything possible to prolong the largest war in Europe since World War II. Moscow, he said, is only pretending to seek diplomatic solutions.
Zelenskyy stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "afraid to face Ukraine and the world and openly admit that he only wants war." Instead, Putin, according to the Ukrainian president, is sending delegates to the negotiations who are "unable and unwilling to stop the bloodshed."
"Every day, Russia kills our people, destroys our cities, and shows no sign that it will ever return to the principles of the UN Charter," he said.
Zelensky also said that China could persuade Moscow to end the war, adding that Russia was "completely dependent" on China.
He said that he met with US President Donald Trump today on the sidelines of the General Assembly and discussed with him several ideas for ending the war.
Zelenskyy declared the need to provide Ukraine with "real security guarantees." The president also called on Security Council members to issue a "united call for peace."
"Be a force that acts. Act together. Please, finally unite to stop Russia's war," Zelensky said.
US Secretary of State: The conflict cannot end militarily
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized in his speech that the conflict cannot end militarily: the longer it continues, the more people will die.
According to him, “generous” offers were made, including those concerning “a ceasefire on the current lines of contact.”
"We have entered a stage of potential escalation with the highest number of strikes we have seen in the last few nights," he said, noting that "we are now seeing incursions into neighboring airspace by drones and aircraft."
Rubio added that while US President Donald Trump is a "very patient" man, "his patience is not unlimited."
The Secretary of State noted that Trump has options to impose additional economic costs on Russia if necessary—to end the war. He also has the option of selling defensive—and potentially offensive—weapons to Ukraine to defend itself, Rubio said.
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