Hours after diplomats took the floor at the General Assembly to deplore Russia’s actions toward Ukraine and appeal for diplomacy, Mr. Guterres said that instead of repeating what he’d already stated, his political chief would update the Council on “a number of events” that took place during the day.
But before handing the microphone to her, he drew attention to rumours that were circulating that an offensive against Ukraine was imminent.
As the meeting continued, President Putin announced a special military operation in the Donbas and asked Ukrainian troops to put down their arms.
Speaking to journalists after the session ended, he called what happened the “saddest moment” in his tenure as UN Secretary-General.
In light of this development, the UN chief said, “I must change my address and say: In the name of humanity bring your troops back to Russia. In the name of humanity to not start in what may be the most devastating war since the start of the century.” […]
Under-Secretary-General for political and peacebuilding Rosemary A. DiCarlo told the Council that earlier today, the “so-called authorities of the Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics” requested military assistance from Russia.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian authorities declared a nationwide state of emergency and announced other related defence and security measures, including the mobilization of reservists.
“Throughout the day we have seen disturbing reports of continued heavy shelling across the contact line and civilian and military casualties…the repeated targeting of civilian infrastructure…[and] an ongoing large-scale military build-up and military columns moving towards Ukraine,” she said. Läs arikel