Tag: europe

The “sad and tragic milestone” coincided with Ukraine’s 31st anniversary of independence, and Mr. Guterres congratulated the country’s people.

“The people of Ukraine and beyond need peace and they need peace now,” he said.  “Peace in line with the UN Charter. Peace in line with international law.”  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in the meeting via videoconference, though the feed was at times unclear.  He remarked that the world is dependent on his country’s independence. 

Progress on grain deal  

In the period since Russia’s invasion on 24 February, thousands of civilians have been killed or injured, humanitarian needs have skyrocketed, and numerous human rights abuses and violations have been reported.  Millions worldwide also continue to face a global food, fertilizer and fuel crisis, a ripple effect of the war. 

The Secretary-General provided an update on his visit to Ukraine last week to follow up on the i the landmark agreement to bring grain from the country back into global markets. 

“I can report to the Council that the Black Sea Grain Initiative, signed in Istanbul in July, is progressing well – with dozens of ships sailing in and out of Ukrainian ports, loaded so far with over 720,000 metric tonnes of grains and other food products,” he told ambassadors.   

The Initiative – signed by Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye and the UN – represents “a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved, in even the most devastating of contexts, when we put people first,” he added though pointing to the work still ahead. 

“The other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to global markets of Russian food and fertilizers, which are not subject to sanctions. It is critical that all governments and the private sector cooperate to bring them to market.”

Nuclear threat 

The UN chief also underscored his continued concern over the situation in and around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has come under intense shelling in recent weeks. 

“The warning lights are flashing,” he said. “Any actions that might endanger the physical integrity, safety or security of the nuclear plant are simply unacceptable.  Any further escalation of the situation could lead to self-destruction”. 

Mr. Guterres has welcomed expressions of support for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to dispatch a mission to the plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility. 

Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to deploy a recently established Fact-Finding Mission to Olenivka, where more than 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed in a blast at a detention facility in late July.

Concern for prisoners of war 

UN human rights bodies continue to document violations and abuses related to the armed conflict. 

They include arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and the willful killings of hundreds of civilians in parts of Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy regions under Russian control during February and March. 

In detailing the war’s toll on the country, UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo also expressed concern over the situation of prisoners of war on both sides.  

“We are concerned by reports that the Russian Federation and affiliated armed groups in Donetsk are planning to try Ukrainian prisoners of war in a so-called ‘international tribunal’ in Mariupol,” she said. 

“Any tribunal must respect the protections afforded to all prisoners of war by international law, including fair trial guarantees. The failure to uphold these standards could amount to a war crime.” 

Global divisions deepening 

Ms. DiCarlo stated the war is having another impact beyond the tragic human and material toll in Ukraine, and the consequences in other parts of the world.  

“In deepening global divisions and exacerbating mistrust in our institutions, the war is weakening the foundations of our international system,” she said.

“The consequences of a breakdown in how the world manages questions of peace and security are frightening to contemplate. This war is not only senseless, but exceedingly dangerous, and it touches all of us. It must end”. 

Zelenskyy fears ‘radiation catastrophe’ 

President Zelenskyy addressed the 15-member Council, despite Russia’s objection that he should participate in person and not virtually.   

“This isn’t a whim on our part; these are the rules that govern the work of the Council,” said Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya, before calling for a procedural vote. Thirteen countries voted in favour. 

Mr. Zelenskyy warned that “Russia has put the world on the brink of radiation catastrophe”, referring to the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. 

 “The IAEA mission should take permanent control of the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as soon as possible, and Russia should unconditionally stop nuclear blackmail and completely withdraw from the station,” he said, speaking through an interpreter. 

Condemn Russian aggression 

Although the deal to resume Ukrainian grain exports has partly relieved tensions on global food markets, Mr. Zelenskyy said only full recovery of all agricultural exports will ensure millions around the world will have something to eat. 

The President stated that Russia must be held accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, adding that a relevant resolution will be submitted for consideration during the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly. 

“We must all confirm and force Russia to recognize that the inviolability of borders and peace are unconditional values for all nations,” he said. 

Russia decries western ‘support’ 

For the Russian Ambassador, the meeting was not related to developments on the ground but rather “to demonstrate the unfailing support of Western delegations for any actions of the Kyiv regime.” 

The Council has predictably heard much about Russian aggression, said Mr. Nebenzya asserting that “over the past 200 years, no other explanation for European security issues except for references to Russia’s actions has emerged in the West.” 

Mr. Nebenzya said while no one is arguing that it is ‘difficult” today for Ukrainians, “the responsibility for this lies with the Kyiv regime which came to power in 2014 as a result of an anti -constitutional coup carried out with the help of a number of Western states.” 

The Russian Ambassador began his deliberation by highlighting how the technical difficulties made it difficult at times to make out what President Zelenskyy was saying. 

“We hope that our position regarding the usefulness of in-person participation of guests, at the very least out of respect for them, has become clearer as a result of this to those following today’s meeting.” 

Recent weeks have seen an escalation in shelling in and around Europe’s largest nuclear facility. 

The Council meeting was requested by Russia, whose forces have occupied the plant since March, or shortly after the start of the war, while Ukrainian personnel continue to carry out their on-site operations. 

‘Suicidal’ threat 

Ms. DiCarlo reiterated the UN’s ongoing grave concern over the dangerous situation, recalling the Secretary-General’s appeals for common sense, reason and restraint, as well as dialogue. 

“At this moment, it is imperative that we receive the expressed commitment of the parties to stop any military activities around the plant and to enable its continued safe and secure operations. To paraphrase the Secretary-General’s blunt warning, any potential damage to Zaporizhzhia is suicidal,” she said. 

All military personnel and equipment must be withdrawn from the plant, and there should be no further deployment of forces or equipment to the site.

“The facility must not be used as part of any military operation, and  an agreement on a safe perimeter of demilitarization to ensure the safety of the area should be reached,” she said.

The UN has again called for the parties to provide the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with immediate, secure, and unfettered access to the nuclear plant. 

Preparations for IAEA mission 

IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi on Tuesday renewed his request to send a mission to carry out essential safety, security and safeguard activities at the site. 

Ms. DiCarlo reported that preparations are proceeding, and the agency is in active consultation with all sides so the mission can be dispatched as soon as possible. 

“We welcome Ukraine and Russia’s recent statements indicating support for the IAEA’s aim to send a mission to the plant, which would be IAEA’s first to that site since the start of the war,” she said. 

The UN has also assessed that it has the logistics and security capacity in Ukraine to support any IAEA mission from Kyiv, provided Ukraine and Russia agree. 

“We must be clear that any potential damage to the plant, or any other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, leading to a possible nuclear incident would have catastrophic consequences, not only for the immediate vicinity, but for the region and beyond,” said Ms. DiCarlo. 

“Similarly, any damage leading to the plant being cut from the Ukrainian power grid would have catastrophic humanitarian implications, particularly with winter approaching. As the Secretary-General has made clear, the electricity produced at the Zaporizhzhia plant belongs to Ukraine.” 

Russia: ‘Healthy’ atmosphere at plant

In his deliberation, Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya listed incidents of alleged Ukrainian shelling at the plant this month, accusing the country of “nuclear blackmail”.

“The fact that the Kyiv regime continues with attacks on this station is a direct consequence of criminal acquiescence on the part of its western patrons,” he said, speaking through an interpreter.

Furthermore, any potential disaster at the nuclear plant has so far been avoided “only because there’s smooth joint work between the workers of the station, fire squads, emergency people and the Russian military who are helping them every way they can,” he added.  “And this shows that there is a healthy working atmosphere at the station, and no one is oppressing anyone there.”

Support for IAEA mission

Regarding the IAEA, Mr. Nebenzya said Russia has supported efforts towards a mission to the plant “from day one” and had already agreed for a mission to take place in June.

“We expect that the IAEA trip mission will take place in the very near future and the agency experts will confirm the real situation at the station,” he said.

The Ambassador concluded his remarks by addressing the car bombing in Moscow on Saturday which killed Darya Dugina, a political commentator and the daughter of a close ally of President Vladimir Putin.

Russian authorities are investigating the incident, he said, “and preliminary conclusions are that this monstrous crime was organized by the Ukrainian special services.”

He urged the Council and the UN leadership, in his words, “to condemn yet another crime by the Kyiv regime.”

Ukraine refutes shelling claims

Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsy dismissed Russia’s claims that his country is shelling its own nuclear facility.

“Nobody who is at least conscious can imagine that Ukraine would target a nuclear power plant at tremendous risk of nuclear catastrophe and on its own territory,” he said.

Mr. Kyslytsy informed the Council that Ukraine’s Foreign Minister has responded to the IAEA regarding the mission.  

The proposal for the itinerary is in compliance with national legislation “and in general might be accepted”, he said.  However, further arrangements have to be made based on security conditions, communication of detailed route plans, and other logistical aspects.

Permanent IAEA presence

“We continue to believe that the mission’s effectiveness can be bolstered by incorporating military and political components backed by UN expertise,” he said.

“Considering the scale of the current challenges and threats, we also urged the IAEA to consider a permanent presence of its experts at the ZNPP until the competent Ukrainian authorities regain full control over this nuclear facility.”

The Ambassador underlined the importance of the mission taking place at the request of Ukraine.

“The occupiers have trained some of the hostages in what they should say and what they shouldn’t show to the IAEA. That is why it is really important to conduct the mission in a way that would allow the international community to see the real situation and not a Russian theatrical show.”
 

Ships carrying grain have been leaving there under a recent UN-brokered agreement, and Mr. Guterres said Odesa was a symbol of what countries can achieve when they work together for the common good. 

Speaking to journalists, the UN chief revealed that it was a moving experience to be at the port, where he witnessed wheat being loaded onto a ship. 

“It’s obviously a reason for joy,” he said.  “But it is also emotional because of the sadness I feel looking into this wonderful harbour and looking into these terminals practically empty with the possibility that this harbour has to develop; that Ukraine and the whole region being cut off because of the war”. 

Vessels of hope 

The Odesa port had been paralyzed for months due to the war, which meant that “a critical transportation line from a global breadbasket was cut”, he said. 

Things are changing under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the deal to unblock grain and fertilizer exports, signed barely a month ago by Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye and the UN.   

Since then, 25 ships have departed from Odesa and other Ukrainian ports, and more are on the way, said Mr. Guterres, speaking alongside Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov. 

The ships have transported over 600,000 tonnes of grain and food products, namely wheat, corn, sunflower oil, and soybeans.   

“But each ship is also a vessel of hope,” he said.  “Hope for Ukrainian farmers finally rewarded for their harvest – with storage being freed up for more. Hope for seafarers and the larger shipping community, knowing that it is once again possible to sail through the Black Sea safely and efficiently.  And, most of all, hope for the world’s most vulnerable people and countries”.  

Support for developing countries 

The UN chief issued a special call to rich nations on behalf of vulnerable people everywhere who are bearing the brunt of the global food crisis.  

 “As these ports open, I appeal for wealthier countries to also open their wallets and their hearts. After all, the movement of grains doesn’t mean much to countries that cannot afford it,” he said.   

 “It is time for massive and generous support so developing countries can purchase the food from this and other ports – and people can buy it.   Developing countries need access to financing now.  They need debt relief now.  They need resources to invest in their people now”. 

The Secretary-General also called for more action to ensure full global access to Ukrainian food products, and Russian food and fertilizer, through the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

While no one ever expected the agreement would equal “smooth sailing”, it is unprecedented both in scope and scale, he said, adding that there is still a long way to go. 

Mr. Guterres explained that getting more food and fertilizer out of Ukraine and Russia is crucial to further calm commodity markets and lower prices.   

 “But let’s not forget that what we see here in Odesa is only the more visible part of the solution.  The other part that is also important, that we have been defending, relates to the unimpeded access to the global markets of Russian food and fertilizer, which are not subject to sanctions”.  

It is important that all governments and the private sector cooperate to bring them to market, because “without fertilizer in 2022, there may not be enough food in 2023″, he warned. 

The Secretary-General underlined his deep commitment to these objectives, which he said will only happen if all parties cooperate. 

Peace for Ukraine 

He stressed the need to continue efforts towards improving global food supply and stabilizing markets, and to work for peace in line with the UN Charter and international law. 

 “Today, Odesa is more than just a shipping centre.  This port is a symbol of what the world can do when we commit to working together for the common good,” he said. 

“The Ukrainian people has been suffering so much. They have witnessed so many deaths, so much destruction that it is legitimate to aspire for peace. But again, I repeat peace in line with the UN Charter, peace in line with international law.  That is the best way to mark World Humanitarian Day and help set the course for a more just and peaceful world for all”.