UN chief Guterres condemns Russian 'affront' in Ukraine

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called Russia's invasion of Ukraine “an affront to our collective conscience” that violates the UN Charter and challenges “the cornerstone principles and values of our multilateral system.” The war that started a year ago is fanning regional instability and fuelling global tensions and divisions, he said as the General Assembly is set to adopt a resolution that underscores the need to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in war-torn Ukraine. And the impact is being felt far beyond Ukraine.” “As I said from day one, Russia’s attack on Ukraine challenges the cornerstone principles and values of our multilateral system,” Mr. Guterres said. War is the problem…While prospects may look bleak today, we must all work knowing that genuine, lasting peace must be based on the UN Charter and international law.” The UN General Assembly is expected to vote on a draft resolution on Thursday titled ‘Principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine’ that will underscore “the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.” It will reiterate its demand that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, and calls for a cessation of hostilities. Mr. Gowan noted that "Western diplomats are nervous that China and the IBSA countries will start pushing for a ceasefire, and will blame Ukraine if it fails to pause hostilities.” The U.S. said that the resolution that will be put to vote calls on the nations of the world to support diplomatic efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine.