For the first time.. United Nations
Security Council gathers statement on Ukraine
The corridors of
the United Nations witnessed a remarkable development represented by the UN Security Council issuing a unified statement regarding the war in Ukraine, for the first time since its outbreak in February 2022.
This consensual position is a rare step given the sharp divisions that have prevailed in the Council over the past months, especially between major powers such as the United States, Russia and China.
The UN Security
- Council unanimously issued a statement on
- the situation in Ukraine for the first time since
- the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine.
The Security Council expressed
its "concern about ways to maintain peace and security in Ukraine", affirming its support for the efforts of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.
UN Secretary
General António Guterres welcomed
the move, saying the agreement on a unified statement represented a "rare moment to build on" in order to move the diplomatic process forward. In Kiev
Ukrainian officials saw
the statement as confirming the legitimacy of their demands to preserve Ukraine's sovereignty, but they expressed their hope that the words would turn into practical measures to support the country in the face of Russian escalation.
This development is seen
as a gesture to build common ground between the major powers within
the Security Council. Consensus –even if limited
could help break
the deadlock that has gripped diplomatic efforts for months.
However
- experts believe that the statement remains more of a symbolic step than
- a practical move, as it did not include specific mechanisms to
- implement any measures or plans to resolve the crisis.
Guterres welcomed
the United Nations Security Council's first statement on Ukraine
and said:
- "Today, for the first time
- the Security Council spoke
- with one voice in favour of peace in Ukraine."
"The world must unite to silence the defender and uphold the values of
the Charter of the United Nations... I welcome this support and will continue
efforts to save lives, alleviate suffering and seek ways to achieve peace ".
The Security Council's unified statement on
Ukraine arguably represents an important signal that
the international community
is becoming more aware of the need for joint action to stop the escalation. But at the same time, it highlights the size of the gap between political
and military positions on
the ground. If the Security Council wants to play a real role in resolving the crisis, it will have to move from symbolic statements to concrete steps that contribute to achieving a just and lasting peace.