UN Secretary-General: "Many People Have Already Died... Putin, Stop the Invasion of Ukraine"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Ant?nio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the invasion of Ukraine during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council held at the UN Headquarters in New York on the night of the 23rd (local time).

Secretary-General Guterres said, "That day was filled with signs and rumors that the invasion of Ukraine was imminent. I never believed it and was confident that a serious situation would not occur," adding, "I was wrong. And I hope I am not wrong again today."

He stated, "If the invasion operation is truly prepared, there is one thing I want to say deeply from my heart," emphasizing, "President Putin, please stop your military from attacking Ukraine." He continued, "Give us a chance for peace," raising his voice, "Too many people have already died."

The UN Security Council was urgently convened at Ukraine's request on the same day as evidence confirmed the imminent invasion of Ukraine by Russia. As with the emergency meeting on the 22nd, Russia, the chair country of the Security Council, presided over the meeting. It began at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Major foreign media outlets anticipated that Security Council members had prepared a resolution to sanction Russia, but since Russia is the chair country, it is expected to be difficult to adopt an official Security Council response.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.