Greece has condemned attacks targeting civilians, diplomatic missions and cultural heritage sites in Ukraine during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council convened following recent attacks in the country.
The session was held at Ukraine’s request and was supported by Latvia, France, Greece, Denmark and the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the meeting, Greece expressed deep concern over damage sustained by diplomatic facilities in Kyiv. The country also urged Russia to refrain from issuing warnings or threats against diplomatic missions and embassies, stressing the importance of fully respecting the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Greece’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Aglaia Balta, condemned all attacks against civilians, non-military infrastructure and humanitarian personnel, regardless of where they occur. She emphasized that the protection of civilians during armed conflicts is an absolute and non-negotiable obligation under international law.
The ambassador also criticized the damage inflicted on more than ten cultural institutions in Kyiv and aligned Greece with UNESCO’s condemnation of attacks against cultural heritage.
Reiterating its position on the conflict, Greece called for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, describing it as a necessary step toward achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
UN Chief Warns of Escalation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also addressed the Security Council, calling for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict. He warned that the large-scale Russian attacks carried out on May 23 and 24 highlighted the seriousness of the current situation.
According to Guterres, more than 15,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since February 2022, including nearly 800 children. He noted that serious violations of international humanitarian law continue to occur.
The UN chief described the situation as increasingly dangerous, pointing to a largely static front line, the widespread use of drones and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities.
He warned that the continued escalation of the war risks spiraling out of control, with potentially unforeseen consequences. Calling the current trajectory unsustainable, Guterres urged an immediate and lasting de-escalation, a full and unconditional ceasefire, and intensified diplomatic efforts.
“The cycle of death must stop,” he said, adding that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with the UN Charter remains the ultimate goal.
