In the body’s first statement since Moscow’s invasion, the Council expressed “deep concern regarding the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine” and backed efforts by the UN chief to find a peaceful solution.
Statements of the Security Council are made by consensus. Norway and Mexico drafted the short text that was adopted on Friday.
“The Security Council expresses grave concern about Ukraine’s ability to maintain peace and security,” it continues. “The Security Council recalls that all Member States have undertaken, under the United Nations Charter, the obligation to settle their international disputes through peaceful means,” the statement reads. “
The statement states, “The Security Council expresses strong support for the Secretary-efforts General’s in the search for a peaceful settlement,” and also requests that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres update the council again “in due time.”
On Friday, Guterres expressed gratitude for the council’s backing, saying he would “spare no effort to save lives, relieve suffering, and find a road to peace.”
Last week, Guterres met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Moscow and Kyiv, respectively.
His visits opened the door for combined UN-International Committee of the Red Cross operations that have rescued 500 civilians from Mariupol, Ukraine’s port city, and the besieged Azovstal steel complex in the last week.
Despite rising diplomatic tit-for-tat since Russia initiated what it calls a “special military operation” on Feb. 24, which Guterres slammed as Russia’s “absurd war,” the Security Council statement was accepted. On February 25, Russia rejected a draft Security Council resolution condemning Moscow’s incursion. The vote was abstained by China, the United Arab Emirates, and India. To pass, a council resolution requires nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the US, Russia, China, France, or the United Kingdom.
Since then, the 193-member United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly supported two resolutions, underscoring Russia’s worldwide isolation over Ukraine. Although nonbinding, such resolutions have political clout.
Source: Reuters
