UN Secretary-General reiterates call for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine

UN (ANTARA) – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday (23 February) reiterated his call for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine as a first step towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

In a statement marking the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine crisis, which falls on 24 February, the UN chief said the crisis “is a stain on our collective conscience and continues to pose a threat to regional and international peace and security.”

The longer the crisis lasts, the more devastating its impact, with civilians bearing the brunt, he said.

Guterres stated that in order for peace to be just, “it must be consistent with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions, respecting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

“The UN remains ready to contribute to all efforts to achieve this goal,” he added.