The UN issued a sharp statement in response to the short-term “ceasefire” announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in connection with his promise to declare a pause in hostilities
UN Secretary-General Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric emphasized that the main goal of the international organization is to achieve an end to the war initiated by Russia against Ukraine, and to do everything possible to resolve the conflict in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. The statement was made ahead of Putin’s announced three-day ceasefire, which he declared in connection with the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Russia assigns special significance to this festive occasion. The UN reminded that any party involved in the conflict must adhere to the principles of international law and the values of the organization’s Charter. "Our position remains unchanged: we seek an end to this aggression," Dujarric is quoted as saying by Ukrinform. "It must be a principled and consistent process based on international norms and resolutions adopted by the UN, as well as the full recognition of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity." The UN spokesperson also stressed that peace in the region should not be temporary, but sustainable and genuine. He noted that any efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict must adhere to the principles of the international community and the policies long advocated by the United Nations. In response to a question regarding North Korea’s participation in the war, which both Moscow and Pyongyang have recognized, Dujarric simply remarked: "Any internationalization of conflicts is the wrong approach, which only complicates the situation and does not help achieve peace." Overall, the situation surrounding the announced temporary "ceasefire" in Russia has provoked strong condemnation and concern at the international level. The Kremlin reported that Putin had decided unilaterally to implement a ceasefire during the Victory Day celebrations from May 8 to 10, in order to "mark" this event, which has already prompted reactions from other countries and international organizations. Meanwhile, US and Ukrainian officials emphasize that a short-term "ceasefire" cannot serve as a cover for continued aggression or for the Kremlin leadership’s plans. In particular, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted sharply to the statements from the Russian leadership. He emphasized that Ukraine does not need a short-term ceasefire to allow Moscow to focus on celebrations, but a complete, guaranteed, and immediate ceasefire lasting at least 30 days, which could open the door to serious negotiations and end the war. Zelensky called on international partners to unite around the idea of taking real steps to end the bloodshed and restore peace in the country. In summary, the reaction of the UN and Ukraine is unanimous: the war should end not with promises of short-term "ceasefires" and diplomatic gestures, but through a honest, peaceful settlement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and is based on international norms. The international community is expected to make every effort to reduce tension and restore peace, while reaffirming the unwavering principles that underpin regional security and stability.