The first statement after 70 days.. The Security Council announces its position on the Ukraine war

The United Nations Security Council, including Russia, on Friday expressed "deep concern regarding the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine" and supported the Secretary-General's efforts to find a peaceful solution in the council's first statement since Russia invaded its neighbor 10 weeks ago.

Security Council statements are issued unanimously, and Norway and Mexico drafted the summary text that was approved on Friday.

"The Security Council expresses deep concern regarding the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine. The Council makes clear that all Member States are obligated, under the Charter of the United Nations, to settle their international disputes by peaceful means," the statement said.
"The Security Council expresses its strong support for the efforts of the Secretary-General in the search for a peaceful solution," the statement said.

The statement also called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to brief the council again "at the appropriate time".

Guterres welcomed the council's support today, saying it "will spare no effort to save lives, reduce suffering and find a path to peace."

Guterres met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv last week.

His visits paved the way for joint operations between the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross that resulted in the evacuation of nearly 500 civilians from the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol and the besieged Azovstal steel plant last week.
The Security Council statement was agreed despite mutual retaliatory diplomatic moves since Russia launched on February 24 what it calls a "special military operation" and what Guterres describes as Russia's "futile war".

Russia vetoed a draft resolution in the Security Council on February 25 that would have expressed regret for the invasion of Ukraine.

China, the United Arab Emirates and India abstained from the vote, and the Security Council resolution needs the support of 9 members without using any permanent members, which are the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain, the right of veto.
Since then, the 193-member, non-objective General Assembly has adopted two resolutions by an overwhelming majority, highlighting Russia's international isolation over Ukraine. These resolutions are not binding but have political weight.

The General Assembly deplored the "Russian aggression against Ukraine" and called on the Russian forces to stop the fighting, withdraw, allow the delivery of aid and protect civilians. It also criticized Russia for causing an "appalling" humanitarian situation.