London, Monday, 14 March 2022
According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Ukraine is facing a horrible humanitarian disaster as Russia presses a war that has the potential to spill far beyond the country's boundaries.
"Ukraine is on fire," he declared at the United Nations headquarters in New York. "Any further escalation of the war, whether by accident or intent, poses a threat to humanity as a whole."
As it presses its invasion, Guterres cited Russia's "chilling" decision to elevate the alert level of its nuclear forces, saying it poses the possibility of nuclear conflict not seen in decades.
"The possibility of nuclear war, which was once inconceivable, is now within reach," he added.
"Nuclear reactor security and safety must also be maintained. It's past time to put an end to the horrors inflicted on the Ukrainian people and return to the road of diplomacy and peace."
Guterres stated that he has met with the leaders of China, France, Germany, India, Israel, and Turkey to discuss mediation efforts.
The war between Russia and Ukraine, which began on February 24, has sparked worldwide censure, financial sanctions against Moscow, and an exodus of global companies from Russia.
According to the United Nations, at least 596 people have been killed and 1,067 injured in Ukraine since the conflict began.
However, it has warned that the true toll is likely to be much higher because it has not been able to gain access to places where hostilities have risen.
According to the UN refugee agency, 2.8 million people have fled to neighbouring nations.
According to Guterres, the UN would deliver an additional $40 million in humanitarian help to people most affected by the war.
(Research and edit by: The Decision Maker – International Relations editor)
