António Guterres calls Ukraine war a “stain” on global conscience |LAGOS EYE NEWS

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has marked four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, describing the war as a violation of international law and the UN Charter.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Guterres said the conflict “remains a threat to regional and international peace and security” and warned that the longer the war continues, the deadlier it becomes.

He said civilians were bearing the brunt of the fighting, adding that 2025 had seen the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine since the invasion began.

“This is simply unacceptable,” he said, renewing his call for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards what he described as a “just, lasting and comprehensive peace”.

Mr Guterres stressed that any peace settlement must be consistent with international law and respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The invasion, launched by Russia on 24 February 2022, has been widely condemned by Western governments and has triggered sweeping sanctions against Moscow by the United States, the European Union and their allies.

According to the United Nations, thousands of civilians have been killed since the start of the conflict, with millions more displaced inside Ukraine or forced to flee abroad. The UN’s human rights office has repeatedly warned of rising civilian harm amid continued missile and drone attacks.

The NATO has described Russia’s invasion as the most serious security crisis in Europe in decades, while reaffirming support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Moscow has consistently defended what it calls its “special military operation”, arguing it is necessary to protect Russian security interests. Ukraine and its allies reject that claim, saying the invasion is an unprovoked act of aggression.

Diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire have so far failed to produce a comprehensive settlement. The UN has continued to urge both sides to pursue dialogue, warning of the broader global impact of the war on food security, energy supplies and economic stability.

As the conflict enters its fifth year, the UN chief said the priority remains clear: ending the fighting and securing a peace that upholds the principles of the UN Charter.