At a United Nations Security Council meeting, representatives of the United Kingdom and France called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine and said Russia shows no real willingness to end the war.
Acting UK Permanent Representative to the UN James Kariuki said Russia’s behavior reflects growing desperation due to setbacks on the battlefield rather than confidence or strength. He noted that despite repeated international appeals for a ceasefire, Russian strikes on Ukraine continue, with pauses used only when convenient.
“Russia is acting out of desperation. A state that needs spectacle to hide its insecurity, and missiles to silence diplomacy, is acting not out of confidence, but out of fear,” Kariuki said.
He added that attacks resume immediately after such pauses and argued that Russia is failing to achieve its military objectives despite significant losses. According to him, the trajectory of the war shows these goals are not achievable in the long term. He also reaffirmed that European support for Ukraine will remain firm.
France’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jérôme Bonnafont, also urged Russia to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire and warned against temporary pauses being used to prepare further strikes on Ukraine.
“Together with the UN Secretary-General and the overwhelming majority of member states from all continents, we are finally calling for the immediate establishment of a full and unconditional ceasefire,” Bonnafont said.
He added that France and its partners will continue providing financial and military assistance to Ukraine and support efforts to hold those responsible for the crime of aggression accountable, while also working with allies on long-term security guarantees for lasting peace.
