24 August 2022 not only marked 6 months since the illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russia but also coincided with Ukraine’s national day, the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independance from Russia.

At a meeting of the UN Security Council on that day, UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo said the war is having an impact beyond the tragic human and material toll in Ukraine, and the consequences in other parts of the world.

“In deepening global divisions and exacerbating mistrust in our institutions, the war is weakening the foundations of our international system,” she said. “The consequences of a breakdown in how the world manages questions of peace and security are frightening to contemplate. This war is not only senseless, but exceedingly dangerous, and it touches all of us. It must end”.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres reported that “the Black Sea Grain Initiative, signed in Istanbul in July, is progressing well – with dozens of ships sailing in and out of Ukrainian ports, loaded so far with over 720,000 metric tonnes of grains and other food products”.

The Initiative – signed by Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye and the UN – represents “a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved, in even the most devastating of contexts, when we put people first,” he added though pointing to the work still ahead.

“The other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to global markets of Russian food and fertilizers, which are not subject to sanctions. It is critical that all governments and the private sector cooperate to bring them to market.”

Read his complete statement here and that of Rosemary DiCarlo here.

Read an article by UN News which includes references to the statements of Ukraine President Zelenskyy here.

Russia’s President Putin did not address the meeting.

However the Russian Ambassador said the meeting was not related to developments on the ground but rather “to demonstrate the unfailing support of Western delegations for any actions of the Kyiv regime.”

The Council has predictably heard much about Russian aggression, said Mr. Nebenzya, asserting that “over the past 200 years, no other explanation for European security issues except for references to Russia’s actions has emerged in the West.”

Mr. Nebenzya said while no one is arguing that it is “difficult” today for Ukrainians, “the responsibility for this lies with the Kyiv regime which came to power in 2014 as a result of an anti-constitutional coup carried out with the help of a number of Western States.”