The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, declared on the eve of the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine that the conflict represents “a disastrous milestone” for the Ukrainian people and for the international community, warning that threats to the use of nuclear weapons “are totally unacceptable. “This invasion is an affront to our collective conscience.. It is a violation of the United Nations Charter and International Law. It is having dramatic humanitarian and human rights consequences. And the impact is being felt far beyond Ukraine,” Guterres said in a speech at the UN General Assembly.

According to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Russia’s attack on Ukraine challenges the fundamental principles and values ​​of the international multilateral system, which is why he has recalled the UN Charter, stressing that all members will refrain from using force against the territorial integrity of any State. In relation to Russia’s attempt to “illegally” annex four regions of Ukraine -Kherson, Zaporizhia, Donetsk and Lugansk- Guterres recalled the organization’s commitment “to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders”.

He has also stressed that 40% of Ukrainians need humanitarian assistance and that the UN launched last week a humanitarian appeal of 5,600 million dollars (5,280 million euros) to the Member States for the people of Ukraine. “Vital infrastructure has been attacked: water, power and heating systems have been destroyed in the dead of winter (…) In this conflict as elsewhere, the UN is committed to ensuring justice and accountability,” the organization’s secretary general has maintained. In this sense, he has affirmed that up to now eight million Ukrainians have been assisted, which makes this refugee crisis “the largest since World War II.”

Guterres has brought to the present that during this year of conflict not only has the suffering and devastation grown, but also it has become more evident “how much worse everything could become”. “The possible consequences of a spiraling conflict are a clear and present danger,” said the Secretary General of the United Nations, detailing that every day “the serious threat” of “irresponsible military activity around the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant” haunts Europe. Meanwhile, he has insisted that “the so-called tactical use of nuclear weapons is totally unacceptable“.

“We have heard implicit threats to use nuclear weapons. It’s time to step back from the edge“, he has demanded. The Secretary General has stressed that the war “is also fueling regional instability and fueling global tensions and divisions”, all while diverting attention and resources from other crises and pressing global problems. “Although the Prospects may seem bleak today, we must all work knowing that a genuine and lasting peace must be based on the United Nations Charter and International Law. The longer the fighting lasts, the more difficult this job will be. We don’t have a moment to lose,” he exclaimed.