Ukraine warns UN it may revise cease‑fire offer as Russia’s war escalates

Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations, Andrii Melnyk, told the UN Security Council on 22 June that Kyiv could revisit its cease‑fire proposal with Russia if the Council continues a “wait‑and‑see” stance and fails to adopt a resolution demanding a full, unconditional end to hostilities. He said Ukraine’s patience “is not endless” and that a cease‑fire along the de facto front line is already a major compromise.

Melnyk also condemned Russia’s recent strike on Kyiv’s 11th‑century Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, accusing Moscow of “relentless barbarism.” UN officials reported that May saw the deadliest month for civilians since 2022, with at least 274 killed and 1 763 wounded. The UN Human Rights office has recorded over 16 000 civilian deaths and 46 000 injuries since the war began.

The United States, represented by Deputy Permanent Representative Dan Negrea, warned Russia that “time is not on Moscow’s side,” citing an estimated 40 000 Russian military casualties each month and mounting economic strain. The US called for an immediate negotiated settlement, echoing President Trump’s recent G7 remarks that Russia must agree to a peace deal.

Both sides emphasized that the conflict’s fifth year is marked by intensified attacks, damage to Russian oil refineries (about 40 % affected) and broader regional economic fallout.