Ukraine: Guterres fears “a wider war”; Italy stands with Ukraine, more united that ever

NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 6 – “Russia should understand that even though a year has passed, we will continue to stand together with the Ukrainian people and Government, more united than ever, to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the multilateral order, as recognized in the UN Charter we all signed”, the Italian permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Maurizio Massari, said today during a Security Council convened to mark the “sad anniversary” of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“February marks a sad anniversary, but we could stop counting the passing days if only Russia put an end to this war to alleviate people suffering and restore the UN Charter”, Massari said, welcoming “Ukraine vision for a just peace”. 

On the eve of the “horrific one-year milestone”, the international community has a lot to do and can do it better,” said Martin Griffiths, the humanitarian affairs chief who also serves as the Emergency Relief Coordinator.

“We have warned about the toxic brew of death, destruction, displacement, and deprivation that this war has caused. We have spoken about the psychological trauma it has left. We have condemned its deadly toll on civilians. Yet the tragedy continues to unfold with no end in sight,” said Mr. Griffiths.

Almost a year after the invasion, nearly 40 per cent of Ukraine’s population needs assistance, against a backdrop of more than 7,000 civilian deaths and widespread devastation, he said, briefing the Council on the current humanitarian situation on the ground. Homes, schools and hospitals have been destroyed and entire cities heavily damaged. “This violence shows no signs of abating,” Griffiths said, recalling recent airstrikes and sharing poignant scenes from his December visit to Ukraine.

Cautioning the General Assembly on Monday, while delivering a major speech on his priorities for the year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing. “I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war,” he said: “It is doing so with its eyes wide open.” (@OnuItalia)