Guterres Condemns Attacks by Both Sides: UN Calls for De-escalation Amid Record Casualties in Ukraine and Russia

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a resolute statement condemning large-scale missile and drone attacks that have occurred in recent days both on Ukrainian territory and in regions of the Russian Federation. In his address, distributed by the UN press office, the head of the organization emphasized that the situation is spiraling out of control, requiring immediate intervention by the international community.

Condemnation of Strikes on Kyiv and Civilian Infrastructure

Central to Guterres' statement are the recent mass strikes by Russia on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The UN Secretary-General expressed strong condemnation of these actions, noting that they have resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians. Particular concern is raised regarding the significant damage inflicted on civilian infrastructure, which threatens the livelihoods of millions of people amidst the ongoing conflict. Guterres labeled these attacks a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

Reaction to Strikes on Russian Territory

For the first time in such strong wording, the UN has also reacted to Kyiv's retaliatory actions. Guterres stated that he is "deeply concerned" about the continued escalation, including attacks by Ukrainian drones on several regions of Russia. The statement notes that, according to reports, these strikes have also led to casualties among the civilian population and damage to civilian infrastructure. Guterres called on both sides for urgent de-escalation, pointing to the alarming pattern of mutual strikes on populated areas.

Contradictory Data

The text of the official UN statement contains an important nuance requiring the attention of fact-checkers and analysts. While information about casualties and destruction in Ukraine is presented as an established fact, data on the consequences of attacks on Russian territory is accompanied by the caveat "as reported." The document does not cite a specific source for the number of deaths or the scale of damage in Russian regions. This creates a certain uncertainty: the UN is reacting to information from open sources or statements by the parties, but does not confirm these figures with its own independent missions on the ground in the Russian Federation, unlike the situation in Ukraine, where monitoring is conducted in more detail.

Food Security Crisis and Diplomacy

Guterres' statement was made against the backdrop of a critical situation in the Black Sea. Earlier, on July 27, the UN Security Council convened an emergency session due to Russian shelling of civilian vessels, which threatened global food security. Diplomatic pressure is intensifying: the US has already called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to achieve a long-term peace. The UN has repeatedly raised the issue of ending the war, however, the current dynamics indicate a deepening of the crisis.