U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced serious concern over Russia’s plan to launch strikes targeting Ukrainian defense enterprises and decision-making centers in Kyiv, addressing the U.N. Security Council on May 26.
The announcement followed one of Russia’s heaviest bombardments of Kyiv since the war began, which occurred on May 25 [1, 2]. Guterres condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure, specifically citing a strike on a school and dormitory in Starobilsk, a city under Russian control.
"We condemned the attack on the school – as we condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur," Guterres said [1].
The U.N. chief urged all parties to avoid further escalation, warning it would prolong civilian suffering and make peace harder to achieve. He said, "Now more than ever, it is imperative to avoid any escalation of a conflict that has already exacted a devastating toll on civilians, and that risks making the search for peace even more distant, prolonging the suffering of people" [1].
The timeline of recent events shows Russia’s bombardment on May 25, followed by the announcement of targeting key Kyiv sites the next day, and Guterres’ response to the Security Council on May 26 [1, 2].
Guterres’ statements reflect heightened international concern over the intensification of attacks in Ukraine’s capital. The U.N. continues to call for restraint amid the ongoing conflict.
The U.N. Secretary-General’s remarks on May 26 mark the latest official appeal aimed at preventing escalation and protecting civilians in the war zone [1, 2].
