UAE raises concerns over Ukraine escalation at UN Security Council

The UAE has expressed its grave concerns at the escalations over the last 24 hours at a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Ukraine, warning of risks to the parties, the region, and the international community.

His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and UAE Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, reiterated the UAE's consistent call for a negotiated settlement, in line with the UN Charter, that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The ambassador said in a statement that civilians must be protected and constant care taken to spare them from military operations.

"Civilian objects must not be the target of attacks," he added.

"The airstrikes show that nearly two years into the war in Ukraine, the very real risks of its spreading remain a matter of grave concern. Following the end of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, there was an increase in military activity in and around the Black Sea. Civilian ships have been damaged and just this week, civilian crew members were injured after their ship reportedly hit a mine.

"Unless this conflict is halted, the new year brings with it the prospects of further escalation. This will place communities in both Russia and Ukraine at greater risk and undermine their sense of safety. More civilians may be killed and wounded, and more families will be separated as the war continues unabated.

"The conflict will also continue its destabilising impact on European and global security while the damage it inflicts on our already fragile international order grows. This past day has underscored both the potential for matters to spin out of control and the urgency of the war’s resolution through diplomacy.

"We once again urge the parties to pursue a negotiated settlement. The worst of this war is managed and contained until it is not. Those are risks that the parties, the region, and the international community cannot afford.  

"The UAE supports dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. We support all serious efforts to end this war in a manner that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, in line with the UN Charter."

At the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Ukraine, #UAExUNSC expressed grave concern at the escalations over the last 24 hours, warning of risks to the parties, the region, and the international community.

We reiterated our consistent call for a negotiated settlement, in… pic.twitter.com/StA9ogjeai

— UAE Mission to the UN (@UAEMissionToUN) December 31, 2023