Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (seated) talks to Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN. Photo: United Nations
Ukraine and Russia must do more to protect their nuclear power sites, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says.
He made the comment to a United Nations Security Council meeting on the Ukraine in New York.
“In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation,” he says.
He wants the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to help ensure nuclear safety and security.
“I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilise an already incendiary situation,” he says.
“The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.”
Mr Guterres says greater political will at an international level is needed to help find a diplomatic solution.
“The Black Sea Initiative and continued exchanges of prisoners of war serve as reminders that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed — even in the darkest hour,” he says.
The UN-brokered initiative agreed by Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine allowed millions of tons of grain and other foodstuffs to leave Ukraine’s ports.
Mr Guterres also condemned attacks on civilians and non-military targets on both sides of the frontline.
“They all must stop immediately,” he says.
Mr Guterres says he remains “deeply concerned” about the safety, needs and basic human rights of people living in occupied areas.
“Civilian populations continue to pay the price. The death toll keeps rising. Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes. Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets are only adding pain and misery. Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.”
He says the UN has provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people in Ukraine this year but that more has to be done.
“We need the support of the international community (and donors). Fifteen million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance — more than half of them women and girls,” he says.
“But, as winter is approaching, less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.
“I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told overseas media that his country is closer to the end of the war than at any point in the two-and-a-half years since the invasion.
Zelensky arrived in the United States to attend the UN General Assembly and urged the West to continue their support for Ukraine.
