UN warns of risk of war in Ukraine getting ‘out of control’

Overcome Security Council In New York, Guterres said Russia’s latest attacks on May 23 and 24 – and the possibility of additional attacks – underscored “the gravity of this moment.”

“The current path is not sustainable,” he said. “This trajectory must be changed.”

He warned that the intensifying conflict risks getting “out of control,” citing the danger of miscalculation and “unknown and unintended consequences.”

“What is needed now is de-escalation – immediate and sustained,” said the Secretary General. “What is needed now is a complete and unconditional ceasefire.”

Massive attack

Russia launched about 90 long-range missiles and 600 drones in attacks overnight, killing at least five people and wounding more than 100 across Ukraine, with the worst damage reported in the capital Kyiv.

Diplomatic buildings and housing complexes for UN agencies were also affected by falling debris, although no UN personnel were injured.

The number of civilian casualties is increasing

The emergency meeting comes amid growing concerns over rising civilian casualties and continued attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia.

According to the UN human rights office, OHCHRmore civilians were killed or injured in Ukraine during the first four months of 2026 than in the same period in 2025. The office verified 815 civilian deaths and 4,174 injuries between January and April.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, more than 15,000 civilians – including nearly 800 children – have been killed in Ukraine, according to verified UN figures.

Back to negotiations

Earlier the same day, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on both parties to resume negotiations.

“I strongly urge restraint. Continue negotiations and end the suffering,he said.

Mr Türk cited several recent attacks that caused heavy civilian casualties, including a Russian attack on a residential building in Kyiv earlier this month that reportedly killed 24 civilians.

He also referred to Ukraine’s attack on an educational complex in the Russian-occupied city of Starobilsk, which Russian authorities said killed 21 people and wounded 44 others.

Publicly available information indicates that civilians, including students, were among the victims, according to OHCHR.

‘The time for peace is now’

Guterres reiterated that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law and called for new diplomatic efforts to achieve a “just, lasting and comprehensive peace” in line with UN Charter.

“The choice is clear. The responsibility is clear. Now is the time for peace,” he said.