Pakistan has renewed its call for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, urging that “echoes for peace must be heard.”
Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, addressed a UN Security Council meeting on Friday regarding the war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March 2022.
“Peace in Ukraine is long overdue,” said Ambassador Jadoon. He emphasised that the ongoing calls to end the conflict should not be “masked by the continued drums of war.”
As he chaired the 15-member meeting, he stated that Pakistan has consistently supported de-escalation and promoted dialogue over military solutions.
Pakistan Stresses Dialogue Over Conflict
“Only a sincere and meaningful dialogue, which addresses the mutual security concerns of all sides, is anchored in the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and respects the relevant multilateral agreements, can help lead to a peace that is durable, just and long-lasting,” Ambassador Jadoon said.
He further warned that a military solution and ongoing escalation would lead nowhere, calling it “a dead end.”
He noted that continued violence has only increased suffering for those affected by the war.
“Sustainable peace demands de-escalation, a ceasefire, and an unwavering commitment to dialogue,” he stated.
Little Progress Despite Ceasefire Efforts
Jadoon Referred to earlier diplomatic attempts, including UN Security Council Resolution 2774 and temporary ceasefires. He remarked that these efforts have not resulted in real progress.
“While prisoner exchanges and talks in Istanbul offer a glimmer of hope, it is unfortunate that the ongoing violence, death, and destruction from relentless attacks have continued to cast a shadow over the nascent and fledgling peace efforts,” he added.
Jadoon stressed the importance of protecting civilians and said that attacks on civilians and infrastructure are never justifiable.
He supported continued talks between Russia and Ukraine, stating that they should lead to concrete steps towards peace.
“These [talks] must translate into tangible de-escalation, and steps such as prisoner swaps should catalyse broader political negotiations aimed at ending this conflict,” he said.
He also added that Pakistan is ready to support all regional and international efforts towards a peaceful resolution.
UN Officials Warn of Civilian Suffering
A UN official, Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, told the Security Council that Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities are increasing, with serious effects on civilians.
He cited UN human rights data showing that civilian casualties in Ukraine were the highest in three years during June.
Ukrainian authorities said that Russia launched over 5,183 long-range munitions in July, including a record 728 drones on 9 July.
Jenča noted that while recent diplomatic meetings between Russia and Ukraine, including the third in Istanbul this year, were positive, they must be backed by political will to end the violence.
No Safe Place Left in Ukraine
Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the Council, “There is no safe place left in Ukraine.” She said that the use of long-range weapons in populated areas is causing major harm.
Civilians are struggling to access basic necessities such as food, water, electricity and healthcare.
Msuya said that nearly 13 million people in Ukraine need aid, but limited funding is hampering relief efforts. “For many displaced women and girls, safety remains out of reach,” she said.
She also warned about the threat of anti-personnel mines. Msuya expressed concern over a decree by the Ukrainian president to withdraw from the convention banning these weapons.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates
