Ukraine War: Politics Chief Warns Rhetoric Fuels Conflict
The United Nations (UN) has expressed its inability to verify reports surrounding the crash of a Russian aircraft near the Ukrainian border. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, urged both Russia and Ukraine to refrain from actions and rhetoric that could further fuel the ongoing conflict.
Russia claims that the military transport plane crash in the Belgorod region had no survivors and that 65 of the 74 people on board were captured Ukrainian soldiers involved in a prisoner of war (POW) swap. Moscow alleges that the plane was struck by a Ukrainian missile, but Ukraine denies receiving any instructions to ensure airspace safety during POW exchanges.
President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media, accusing Russia of endangering the lives of Ukrainian POWs and calling for an international inquiry to establish the facts.
The UN, however, is unable to verify the circumstances of the crash and emphasizes that it occurred within the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since the invasion in February 2022, civilian casualties have rapidly risen, with 10,312 deaths and 19,530 injuries reported by the UN human rights office.
The situation has raised concerns for the fate of prisoners of war on all sides, prompting calls for continued efforts to exchange POWs. Ms. DiCarlo stressed that the war in Ukraine is a war of choice with tragic consequences and highlighted the need to end the conflict to ensure peace and security.
As the conflict continues, the international community has a responsibility to prevent further escalation. The UN has called for a cessation of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, condemning such actions as violations of international law.
With tensions high and the death toll rising, it is crucial for both sides to prioritize diplomacy, refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, and engage in peaceful dialogue to de-escalate the dangerous conflict in Ukraine.
This article has been edited for clarity, length, and style.
