Sybiha at UN Security Council: We are ready for complete ceasefire, but Russia is vetoing peace

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned the United Nations Security Council that Russia's ongoing war against his nation threatens global stability. Speaking on September 23, Sybiha emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict, stating that Ukraine is prepared to implement a comprehensive ceasefire. He highlighted that 14 of the 15 Security Council members, including the four permanent members, support an immediate cessation of hostilities.

However, Russia remains the sole obstacle to resolving the war. According to Sybiha, Russian President Vladimir Putin could have brought an end to hostilities long ago, but continues to escalate the conflict. Sybiha emphasized that Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports has led to a 25% increase in global food prices, disproportionately affecting regions such as Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

The Black Sea, crucial for Ukrainian grain exports, is once again under threat, with millions of tons of grain at risk of spoiling. The minister also noted that Russia has enlisted at least 3,000 mercenaries from 37 African nations, with further recruitment potential in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Sybiha underscored Russia's military and technological ties with Iran and North Korea, arguing that Moscow's support for these nations contributes to regional instability.

He accused Russia of employing economic and energy pressure, as well as disinformation campaigns to destabilize countries in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Latin America. Sybiha warned that Russia is actively engaging in hostile activities against Europe, including arson attacks, killings, cyberattacks, election interference, and the use of energy, food, and migration as tools of coercion.

Drones and missiles from Russia have even entered NATO airspace. Sybiha urged the international community to maintain vigilance against the war and called for stronger diplomatic, economic, and military measures against Russia. "The mission of the Security Council is to safeguard peace and security. If Russia vetoes peace, everyone must veto Russia's war," Sybiha declared, calling for intensified diplomatic efforts, heightened sanctions, restrictions on Russia's technological access, efforts to expose recruitment and disinformation operations, additional support for Ukraine ahead of winter, efforts to reunite Ukrainian children separated by the conflict, and accountability for those responsible for the war.

"Russia is no longer a global power. It is a global problem, and it requires a global solution," Sybiha concluded.