António Guterres warns of escalation in Ukraine war

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a warning regarding the dangerous intensification of the war in Ukraine. He expressed alarm over the escalation of daily attacks against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, as well as the rise in civilian casualties resulting from attacks within Russia, including Moscow.

UN data indicates a significant deterioration in civilian safety. In the first eight months of 2026, the UN human rights mission recorded 2,222 deaths and 13,058 injuries, a 55% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The Secretary-General called for an immediate end to attacks on civilians and infrastructure “wherever they occur” and warned against a “dangerous spiral of escalation.”

Guterres urged for the revitalization of diplomatic efforts to achieve an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire as a necessary step toward a lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.