UN Secretary-General Criticizes Russia at Special Assembly: "Use of Nuclear Weapons Can Never Be Justified"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Ant?nio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), stated on the 28th (local time) at a special assembly held at the UN Headquarters in New York, "The fighting in Ukraine must stop," adding, "It cannot continue any longer."

According to CNN, Secretary-General Guterres expressed concern regarding Russia's move to strengthen its nuclear forces. He criticized, "The idea of nuclear development is unimaginable," and said, "There is nothing that can justify the use of nuclear weapons."

The emergency special assembly was convened in response to the paralysis of the Security Council's functions due to the veto exercised by a permanent member. In the vote held the previous day, Russia was the only country among the 15 council members to oppose the convening of the special assembly. China, India, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) abstained.

Secretary-General Guterres also mentioned his hope for an immediate cessation of the invasion and a diplomatic resolution during talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations currently underway in Belarus.

He emphasized that the deaths of civilians, including children, are "absolutely unacceptable."

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

According to the United Nations Human Rights Council, more than 100 civilians have died as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated at the opening of the 49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council on the same day, "We have received reports of 406 civilian casualties from Thursday morning (24th) to the night of the previous day (27th)," adding, "Among the deceased are 102 people, including 7 children, and 304 injured."