The war in Ukraine – a UN call to stop the spiral of dangerous escalation and renew diplomatic efforts

Kayoko Goto, Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division of the United Nations Departments of Political Affairs and Peace Operations, briefed a Security Council meeting called by Ukraine in the wake of the recent large-scale attacks launched by Russia on the city of Kiev and other regions.

Goto said that Kiev is still under constant bombardment, while there are reports of daily attacks in population centers on the front lines.

It reported that since the start of the comprehensive invasion launched by Russia, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has verified the killing of at least 16,431 civilians in Ukraine, including 803 children, and the injury of 48,613 others, including 2,960 children.

It also pointed to the devastating impact of the escalation on the Ukrainian regions under temporary occupation by Russia, and the local authorities in Russia reporting an increasing number of civilian casualties following Ukrainian strikes that targeted oil facilities and other industrial infrastructure in multiple regions.

She stressed that “The United Nations continues to categorically condemn these attacks, wherever they occur.”adding that “These attacks are unacceptable and cannot be justified, and must stop immediately.”.

Disruption of energy and food supplies

The UN official pointed out that for more than four years, the war in Ukraine has disrupted global energy and food supplies.

She indicated that “As Ukraine enters a new harvest season, the escalation of Russian attacks on ports and shipping ships in recent weeks raises renewed concern about the broader regional and global ramifications of this war.”.

It reported that Russia also intensified its attacks on food industry infrastructure, agricultural equipment and fields in Ukraine, which led to the destruction of crops ready for harvest and export.

It also warned that Ukraine is expanding the scope of its attacks against Russian maritime logistics services and those linked to Russia, including oil tankers.

It warned that the consequences of the recent escalation are beginning to appear in global agricultural markets, as wheat prices have risen by 20% since the beginning of the month, reaching their highest levels since March 2024.

Ghutu said: “Further disturbances in the Black Sea and the Sea of ​​Azov, as well as in other vital areas, would lead to higher shipping, insurance, food and energy costs, which could have serious consequences for fragile, import-dependent developing countries.”.

A call to resume dialogue

The UN official touched on what was reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency that the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant had witnessed a complete interruption of external energy sources for the twenty-second time since the start of the war.

Ghutu said: “Any military actions that endanger the safety and security of nuclear plants are unacceptable and irresponsible.”.

It called for exercising the utmost restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident.

She added that “As hostilities continue to escalate, with devastating consequences for civilians and critical infrastructure, and a widespread impact on global food security, the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts has once again emerged.”.

She stressed that “We must not allow this dangerous spiral of escalation to continue.”Calling on all concerned parties to resume comprehensive dialogue and negotiations aimed at reducing the escalation and reaching an immediate, comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire.

Renewed damage

Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Indrika Ratwatte, stressed that humanitarian actors in Ukraine remain determined to reach those in need despite this difficult and changing environment, as they continue to provide food, emergency shelter, cash assistance, health care, and psychosocial support to millions of people.

He added that local responders are continuing to reach communities under extremely difficult circumstances.

He added: “Amidst these challenges, practical humanitarian arrangements can save lives, allowing the safe and voluntary evacuation of civilians and allowing life-saving assistance to reach civilians in need.”.

He warned that “Each wave of attacks brings renewed harm to civilians; more families suffer loss, more homes are damaged, more basic services are cut off, and more communities are forced to suspend recovery efforts.”.

He stressed that these repeated attacks should not be allowed to make suffering seem commonplace.

Unacceptable conditions

The UN official confirmed that the United Nations and its partners will continue to adapt because civilians need them, will replace the supplies that were destroyed, and will continue to work side by side with local responders and assist civilians.

But he added: “Our resolve should not be confused with acceptance of the status quo. Humanitarian organizations find ways to continue their work because this is their mission, but that does not mean that these conditions are acceptable.”.

He stressed that the responsibility to spare civilians from risks and meet their basic needs lies with the parties to the conflict, and the responsibility also falls with those who have influence over them, adding: “International humanitarian law is not optional.”.