Pak urges Russia, Ukraine to restart peace talks

As spiraling drone and missile attacks on civilians in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continue, Pakistan reiterated its call in the UN Security Council for an "immediate and complete" cessation of hostilities, reverting to diplomacy and resumption of dialogue to bring peace and stability to the region.

"We deplore the escalation– the scale and intensity of attacks carried out by the parties on multiple fronts, upending lives and livelihoods in the affected regions," Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said in a debate on the worsening situation in Ukraine.

"Reports of attacks targeting critical infrastructure related to energy and food supply are also deeply concerning. Such attacks further exacerbate the already fragile global food and energy security, affecting people far beyond the conflict zone," he told the 15-member Council.

The conflict began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, arguing it was a "special military operation" for Ukraine's "demilitarization," protecting Russian-speaking people from "genocide," and preventing NATO expansion.

Monday's meeting was requested by the UNSC's five EU members—Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, and the UK. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen of Denmark presided.

Ambassador Asim Ahmad pointed out that the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and civilian infrastructure was a fundamental obligation under International Humanitarian Law.