Several UN Security Council members warn of Ukraine war posing global threat to peace

​​​​​​​By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Some of the members of the UN Security Council voiced concern Tuesday about the war in Ukraine, warning of global repercussions.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun underscored at the Council's session on Ukraine that the conflict has had "grave consequences" as indiscriminate attacks on civilians and infrastructure continue "in clear violation of international humanitarian law."

"The Republic of Korea reaffirms its unwavering commitment to respect internationally recognized borders and, in particular, to upholding the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine," he said.

Expressing alarm at reports of growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, he said: "We remain gravely concerned about military cooperation between the DPRK (North Korea) and Russia, including transfers of ballistic missiles and arms as well as troop deployments."

He warned that North Korea's involvement shows that the war "is not an issue for Europe alone. Its repercussions reach other regions, including northeast Asia, underscoring the fact that this conflict threatens international peace and security as a whole."

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon rejected Moscow's justifications for attacks on Ukraine. "We've heard justifications ranging from the welfare of the Russian minority to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, vague security concerns and accusations of nationalism within its government," she said. "But colleagues, let's remind ourselves, under the UN Charter, none of these reasons provides ground for war. None of them can justify aggression.”

Criticizing the Council for being "unable to take meaningful action," she stressed that "it does not absolve us from our responsibility to protect civilians in armed conflict. Just as this applies to Ukraine, it applies equally to Gaza, Sudan and to any other region suffering the consequences of war."

Greece's Deputy Foreign Minister, Alexandra Papadopoulou, emphasized the importance of diplomacy, noting that "Greece firmly believes that all crises could and should be averted through dialogue and diplomacy."

She added that a settlement must be inclusive: "The peaceful resolution for Ukraine, without Ukraine, is not possible."

China's deputy UN envoy Geng Shuang urged a rejection of unilateral measures and argued that "abusing unilateral sanctions and long arm jurisdiction under the pretext of the crisis does not contribute to a political settlement. On the contrary, it creates new problems and should therefore be rejected."

Geng reiterated Beijing's call for dialogue. "China has been upholding an objective and impartial position, calling for a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, and advocating for peace talks towards a political settlement. China stands ready to work with the international community and continue our constructive role for the early political settlement of the crisis."