Russia-Ukraine conflict: Pakistan for an end to hostilities to protect civilians

UNITED NATIONS: Amid a dangerous escalation in the war in Ukraine after a wave of large-scale Russian strikes, Pakistan called for an “immediate and complete” cessation of hostilities so as to bring this conflict to an early end.

“Recent escalation demonstrates yet again, the imperative of pacific settlement,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the United Nations Security Council when it met in an emergency session at the request of Ukraine on Thursday.

“A meaningful, and earnest commitment to dialogue and diplomacy is the only way to bring lasting peace, and help restore much needed stability in the region,” he added.

The conflict began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, arguing it was a “special military operation” for Ukraine’s “demilitarization” aimed at protecting Russian speaking people from “genocide,” and preventing NATO expansion.

Noting that this was the third time the 15-member Council has been convened in a little more than a week, the Pakistani envoy said the conflict, now in its 5th year, continued to rage leaving trail of widespread destruction, and upending lives and livelihoods of millions of people, who must be protected.

“The sharp escalation in fighting witnessed recently and the resultant far-reaching humanitarian impact is alarming and deeply troubling.”

In this regard, Ambassador Asim Ahmad reiterated Pakistan’s consistent stand that international humanitarian law must be adhered to by all parties, without exception.

“Let me also state that protection of diplomatic compounds is guaranteed under international customary and treaty law,” he said.

Pakistan, he said, has all along favoured and advocated the path of dialogue and diplomacy for peaceful settlement of this conflict.

“This would require commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and a focus on finding a mutually acceptable solution, corresponding to the legitimate security interests of all sides, and the relevant multilateral agreements,” the Pakistani delegate said, urging the parties would resume the United States facilitated dialogue process at the earliest.

Opening the debate, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres warned of the dangerous escalation in the Ukraine war, saying “the death spiral must stop.”

The UN chief said the latest attacks launched by Russia on 23 and 24 May – and the prospect of additional strikes – underscored “the gravity of this moment.”

“The current course is not sustainable,” he said. “This trajectory must change.”

He warned that the intensifying conflict risked spiralling “out of control,” citing the dangers of miscalculation and “unknown and unintended consequences.”

“What is needed now is de-escalation – immediate and sustained,” the Secretary-General said. “What is needed now is a full and unconditional ceasefire.”

Russia launched around 90 long-range missiles and 600 drones during the overnight attacks, killing at least five people and injuring more than 100 across Ukraine, with the heaviest damage reported in the capital Kyiv.