Pakistan Urges UN to ‘Silence the Guns’ in Ukraine War

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United Nations: Pakistan has underscored the need for a “sincere and meaningful” dialogue addressing the security concerns of all sides in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its fourth year, in order to promote peace in the region.

“Our collective priority must be to silence the guns and create conditions for a negotiated settlement,” Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, told the UN Security Council on Tuesday.

Speaking during a high-level debate on Ukraine, he reiterated that Pakistan has consistently maintained there is no military solution to the conflict.

“Every bullet fired, every rocket and drone launched, every life lost, moves us further away from peace,” Fatemi said.
He urged all parties to exercise restraint, adhere scrupulously to International Humanitarian Law, and take meaningful steps toward de-escalation.

Highlighting the wider impact of the conflict, Fatemi said it had fueled polarization and geopolitical tensions, disrupted supply chains, intensified food and energy insecurity, and worsened global inflation.
“The Global South has borne a disproportionate brunt of these consequences,” he added.

He welcomed the ongoing political engagement, including direct talks between Russia and Ukraine facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that it had generated optimism for an early resolution.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/burden-beneath-the-road/

“Given the complex historical context and intricate nature of this conflict, the logic of singling out third countries and placing blame elsewhere is not conducive to peace,” Fatemi stressed.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting all regional and international efforts that pave the way for a peaceful settlement.

UN Secretary-General’s Remarks

Opening the debate, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the international community cannot afford to lose the “fragile” diplomatic momentum toward ending the war.

Looking back to February, when the Council marked the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Guterres noted that while there has been “intense diplomatic engagement,” fighting has also intensified both across Ukraine and, at times, in Russia.

Homes, schools, hospitals, and shelters continue to be bombed, while critical civilian infrastructure is being destroyed.
According to UN figures, more than 14,000 civilians have been killed and over 36,000 injured in recent months—some of the highest casualties since the war began.

“Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law. They must stop now,” Guterres said.
He commended U.S.-led efforts to facilitate diplomacy and welcomed direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, but noted progress toward a ceasefire and lasting settlement remains “painfully slow.”

“We cannot afford to lose the current diplomatic momentum, as fragile as it might be,” he added, reiterating his call for a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire in line with the UN Charter.

Other Key Statements

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lamented that the UN is “losing influence” and urged stronger international security guarantees. He said Ukraine, along with Britain, France, and 40 other nations, is building a “new security architecture” with the U.S. as a backstop.
  “What we need now is a strong push to force Russia toward peace,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on all parties to bring the war to an end before it drags on for “another three or four years.” He warned that if no path to peace emerges, Washington will impose further costs for continued aggression.
• Russia’s First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy dismissed the debate as a “shameful episode in the market of hypocrisy,” claiming it added no value to peace efforts. He maintained that Moscow is not abandoning negotiations and awaits support for a “realistic, long-term settlement.”