The United Nations Security Council, including Russia, expressed "deep concern regarding the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine," supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to find a peaceful resolution in the first statement from the Council since Russia’s invasion of its neighbor ten weeks ago. The Security Council statements are issued unanimously, with Norway and Mexico drafting the brief text that was approved on Friday.
The statement declared, "The Security Council expresses deep concern regarding the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine. The Council makes it clear that all member states are committed, under the Charter of the United Nations, to settle their international disputes by peaceful means."
It further stated that "the Security Council expresses strong support for the Secretary-General's efforts in seeking a peaceful resolution." The statement also called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to return to the Council for an update "in a timely manner."
Guterres welcomed the Council's support today, stating that he "will spare no effort to save lives, reduce suffering, and find a path to peace." He met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv last week. His visits paved the way for joint operations between the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, resulting in the evacuation of about 500 civilians from the besieged Azovstal steel plant in the coastal city of Mariupol last week.
The Security Council's statement was agreed upon despite reciprocal diplomatic moves since Russia began what it calls a "special military operation" on February 24, which Guterres has termed "Russia's senseless war." Russia used its veto power to block a draft resolution in the Security Council on February 25, which would have expressed regret over the invasion of Ukraine. China, the United Arab Emirates, and India abstained from voting. A Security Council resolution requires the support of nine members without any permanent member, namely the United States, Russia, China, France, and the UK, using their veto power.
Since then, the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, which does not operate under veto power, has overwhelmingly adopted two resolutions, highlighting Russia's international isolation regarding Ukraine. While these resolutions are not binding, they carry significant political weight. The General Assembly expressed regret over the "Russian aggression against Ukraine," called for Russian troops to cease hostilities and withdraw, and allowed for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians. It also criticized Russia for causing a "tragic" humanitarian situation.
