In light of recent large-scale attacks by Russia on Ukraine, the UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting.
The United States urged Russia to engage in «good faith negotiations for a ceasefire», while France called for the Security Council to condemn the escalation of aggression, and China expressed «concern over mutual strikes» between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials urged the UN to utilize its powers to help end the war initiated by Russia.
«This is not a trench warfare situation. This Russian war is taking place in bedrooms, kitchens, playgrounds, hospitals, and schools… This madness must stop», said Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN Andriy Melnyk.
Acting US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, stated that Russia must immediately begin earnest negotiations to end the war and establish lasting peace.
«Russia is killing Ukrainian civilians when it should be doing the opposite: stopping the war. Russia must cease the killing of innocents and the destruction of their homes, schools, and playgrounds,» she emphasized.
She also called on China to halt its export of dual-use goods to Russia that support its military industrial base and allow it to attack Ukraine.
«We also condemn Iran for supplying Russia with Shahed drones and missiles, and North Korea for providing ammunition, missiles, and manpower to Russia,» the American diplomat asserted.
China, in turn, labeled these US accusations as «unfounded» and expressed «concern over mutual strikes» between Russia and Ukraine.
«China is deeply saddened and concerned about the continuing large-scale drone and missile attacks by Russia and Ukraine against each other, which have led to significant casualties among civilians and damage to infrastructure on both sides,» said Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Gen Shuang.
France called on UN Security Council members to condemn the escalation of aggression from Russia against Ukraine and its violations of international humanitarian law.
«Russia does not seek peace. One only needs to look at its actions to see this,» said France's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jerome Bonnafont, reminding everyone of the recent massive strikes on Ukrainian cities.