Headlines
UN chief calls Ukraine war 'a stain on our collective conscience'
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 24, 2026
Tags:global economy
Quick Summary
Marking four years since Russia’s invasion, UN chief António Guterres called the Ukraine war a stain on our conscience, urged an immediate ceasefire, warned of nuclear risks and rising civilian harm, and pressed for stronger humanitarian aid.
UN Secretary-General: Ukraine War Is a Stain on Our Collective Conscience
UN Security Council Remarks on the Ukraine War
WASHINGTON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the war there remained "as a stain on our collective conscience" and reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire.
Mediation Efforts by the U.S. and Others
In remarks for a session of the United Nations Security Council to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion, Guterres commended the efforts of the United States and others to end the war, but said concrete measures were needed to de-escalate and create space for diplomacy.
Referring to Russia's invasion, Guterres said: "We have witnessed the cascading consequences of this blatant violation of international law."
Children Among the Victims
Civilian Casualties and Injuries
He said more than 15,000 civilians had been killed in Ukraine since the start of the war and over 41,000 hurt. Among those killed or hurt were 3,200 children.
Remarks Delivered by Rosemary DiCarlo
Guterres' remarks were read on his behalf by Rosemary DiCarlo, the U.N. under-secretary-general for peacebuilding.
Nuclear Facility Safety Risks
Guterres warned that the fighting posed direct risks to the safe and secure operation of Ukraine's nuclear sites, and added: "This unconscionable game of nuclear roulette must cease immediately."
Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
Humanitarian Assistance and Funding
He urged U.N. member states to fully fund humanitarian assistance and said that any settlement to the war must uphold the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
"Enough with the death. Enough with the destruction. Enough with the broken lives and shattered futures," he added.
Demand for an Immediate, Unconditional Ceasefire
"It is time for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire – the first step toward a just peace that saves lives and ends the endless suffering."
(Reporting by David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Don Durfee and Matthew Lewis)
Key Takeaways
- •António Guterres condemned the conflict as a stain on global conscience and urged an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire to enable diplomacy. (dppa.un.org)
- •He warned of escalating risks to Ukraine’s nuclear facilities and pressed both sides to halt military activity near plants. (dppa.un.org)
- •The UN highlighted the heavy civilian toll, including thousands of child casualties since 2022. (ungeneva.org)
- •Member states were urged to bolster humanitarian funding to sustain lifesaving operations. (aa.com.tr)
- •Any settlement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. (dppa.un.org)
Frequently Asked Questions about UN chief calls Ukraine war 'a stain on our collective conscience'
1What is the main topic?
The UN Secretary‑General condemns the Ukraine war on its fourth anniversary, urging an immediate ceasefire, warning of nuclear safety risks, and calling for greater humanitarian support.
2Why is this significant for markets and the global economy?
War escalation and nuclear risk heighten geopolitical uncertainty, which can sway energy prices, risk assets, and safe‑haven flows, while humanitarian and reconstruction needs influence fiscal priorities.
3What outcome does the UN say any peace deal must include?
The UN insists any settlement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
