The UN Security Council convened urgently in response to recent extensive Russian attacks on Ukrainian territories.
The United States urged Russia to engage in «good faith negotiations for a ceasefire», while France called for condemnation of Moscow's aggression against Ukraine. China expressed «deep concern» over the exchanges of fire between Russia and Ukraine.
The Ukrainian side called on the Security Council to leverage its powers to put an end to the ongoing war.
«This is not a conventional war. Russia is waging it in homes, kitchens, playgrounds, and hospitals. This madness must stop», stated Ukraine's permanent representative to the UN, Andriy Melnyk.
US Acting Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, emphasized that Russia must immediately initiate negotiations to achieve a fair and lasting peace.
«Russia is killing Ukrainian civilians when it should be doing the opposite - stopping the war. They must stop the killings of innocents and the destruction of their homes», she added.
She also urged China to halt exports to Russia of dual-use goods that could be utilized against Ukraine.
«We also condemn Iran for supplying drones «Shahed» and missiles, and North Korea for providing Russia with munitions and military support», the American diplomat stated.
China, for its part, dismissed these accusations as «unfounded» and expressed concern over the escalation of conflict between the two countries.
«China is deeply saddened and concerned about the ongoing large-scale attacks by drones and missiles between Russia and Ukraine, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides», said China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Gen Shuang.
France urged members of the Security Council to condemn the escalation of aggression by Russia against Ukraine and its violations of international humanitarian law.
«Russia does not want peace. Just look at its actions to see that», said France's permanent representative to the UN, Jérôme Bonnafont, reminding of the recent massive strikes on Ukrainian cities.
