Ukraine-Russia conflict: UN calls for immediate ceasefire

The United Nations on Monday called for an immediate ceasefire by all parties involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. UN secretary general António Guterres said there was a need for exercising maximum restraint and initiating dialogue. “Diplomacy and dialogue must prevail,” he said at the 11th Emergency Special Session on the ongoing crisis. “Escalating violence is resulting in civilians' death. Enough is enough. Soldiers need to move back to barracks. Civilians must be protected,” Guterres said. “Humanitarian aid is vital, it's not a solution, the only solution is through peace.. I have assured the Ukraine President that UN will continue to assist, will not abandon them, will provide them with humanitarian assistance,” Guterres further said.The special session began with a minute of silence.

President of the UN General Assembly Abdulla Shahid said on Monday as he called for an immediate ceasefire and full return to diplomacy and dialogue. Shahid, presiding over a rare emergency special session of the 193-member UN body on Ukraine, voiced grave concern about the fast-deteriorating situation and ongoing military action in Ukraine.With the adoption of the UNSC resolution on Sunday, it was for the first time in 40 years that the Council decided to call for an emergency special session in the General Assembly.Shahid said the convening of the 11th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly, rooted in the Charter and mandated in resolution entitled ‘Uniting for peace’, is a new opportunity to ensure that the leadership of the United Nations is up to the expectation of the people “we serve on matters related to peace and security.”