Portrait of António Guterres
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António Guterres on Ukraine

Urgent ceasefire advocate (strong)

TL;DR

António Guterres strongly condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a stain on humanity, demanding an immediate ceasefire.

Key Points

  • He described the war on the fourth anniversary as a threat to the foundations of the UN itself as of 23 February 2026.

  • He condemned a deadly overnight missile and drone attack by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, on 28 August 2025.

  • The Secretary-General demands that any lasting peace must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its recognized borders.

Summary

António Guterres has forcefully condemned the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which he views as a violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, describing the ongoing war as a "stain on our collective conscience." He consistently calls for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire as the necessary first step towards achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace. The Secretary-General stresses that any future peace must fully respect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, aligning with the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.

He has observed that the conflict brings immense suffering and instability, with the human cost escalating, noting that 2025 witnessed the largest number of civilians killed in Ukraine since the war began. The Secretary-General also explicitly states that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law and must cease immediately. While reiterating the UN’s readiness to support all meaningful efforts towards a resolution, he warns that every day of continued fighting undermines diplomacy and increases the danger of further escalation.

Key Quotes

“I want the Ukrainian people to know that the world sees you, hears you, and is in awe of your resilience and resolve. I also know that words of solidarity are not enough. I am here to zero in on needs on the ground and scale up operations. I am here to say to you, Mr. President, and to the people of Ukraine: We will not give up.”

“Enough is enough,” he said. “After three years of death and destruction, I once again call for urgent de-escalation and an immediate end to the hostilities.”

Frequently Asked Questions

António Guterres's main position is a demand for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. He views the full-scale invasion as a violation of international law and a severe stain on the global conscience. He advocates for a just peace based strictly on the UN Charter and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty.

The Secretary-General has repeatedly stated that civilians bear the brunt of the conflict, with 2025 witnessing the highest number of civilian deaths. He is unequivocal that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law and must stop immediately.

The Secretary-General stresses that the UN remains ready to support all meaningful diplomatic efforts to end the war. However, he asserts that a solution must be just and comprehensive, ensuring Ukraine's territorial integrity is upheld as part of the agreement.