Mr. Guterres addressed the Security Council, emphasizing the seriousness of the recent Russian attacks on May 23 and 24 and the potential for more strikes. He stated that the current situation cannot continue and needs to change. He highlighted the risk of the conflict escalating out of control, stressing the need for immediate and lasting de-escalation and a full ceasefire.
During the recent attacks, Russia fired around 90 long-range missiles and 600 drones, resulting in at least five deaths and over 100 injuries in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv. The attacks also affected UN facilities, but no UN staff were harmed. There is growing concern about rising civilian casualties in both Ukraine and Russia, with new UN reports indicating more deaths and injuries in early 2026 compared to early 2025. Mr. Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged both sides to return to negotiations to stop the suffering, citing serious civilian casualties from recent strikes by both Russia and Ukraine.
Mr. Guterres reiterated that attacks against civilians violate international humanitarian law and emphasized the need for renewed efforts towards a lasting peace, stating, “The time for peace is now.”
UN Issues Stark Warning on Ukraine War Escalation
Mr. Guterres addressed the Security Council, emphasizing the seriousness of the recent Russian attacks on May 23 and 24 and the potential for more strikes.
