Ukraine, Sudan, Burundi & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (24 February 2026) | United Nations

Описание: Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
Secretary-General/Ukraine
Ukraine
Senior Appointment/Personal Envoy For Sudan
Sudan
South Sudan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Burundi
Madagascar
Western Sahara
Syria
Syria/Humanitarian
Occupied Palestinian Territory
New Resident Coordinator/Lesotho
Bookshop

SECRETARY-GENERAL/UKRAINE

In a statement issued yesterday, the Secretary-General noted that today marks four years since the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. Mr. Guterres said that this devastating war is a stain on our collective consciousness and remains a threat to regional and international peace and security.

The Secretary-General warned that the longer the war continues, the deadlier it becomes, reiterating his call for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

For peace to be just, he said, it must be in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions, respecting Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He added that we remain ready to contribute to all efforts towards this end.

And this afternoon, at 3:00 p.m., the Security Council will hold a briefing on Ukraine. The Secretary-General’s remarks will be delivered by Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. He was scheduled to brief the Council but was unable to return to New York in time due to flight cancellations caused by the blizzard.

The Secretary-General remarks are expected to underscore that the longer this war continues, the greater the suffering, and the greater the risks for regional and international peace and security. The remarks will stress that as complex as the path may be, our collective obligation is clear: use every diplomatic tool to end this war.

UKRAINE

Today, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, noted that in Ukraine, the human cost continues to rise. He said millions are at risk as homes, hospitals and schools in Ukraine are struck with drones and long-range weapons. The systematic targeting of energy infrastructure is leaving civilians particularly exposed.

Mr. Fletcher said the humanitarians continue to deliver life-saving help, but at great personal risk and under fire. He called for an end to the suffering, supporting for our humanitarian response and for the creation of conditions for a just and lasting peace.

For his part, Mattias Schmale, the Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, noted that 11 million men, women and children, around a quarter of the population of Ukraine, require humanitarian assistance.

At least 2,500 civilians were killed and over 12,000 injured last year, the deadliest year for civilians since the full-scale invasion of Ukaine began.

Addressing the challenges of recovery, Mr Schmale stressed that efforts must be human-centered and community-based, adding that as refugee return, veteran reintegration and women’s labour force participation will shape the economic and broader recovery as much as capital flows and infrastructure rebuilding.

SENIOR APPOINTMENT/PERSONAL ENVOY FOR SUDAN

Today, the Secretary-General has appointed Pekka Haavisto of Finland as his new Personal Envoy for Sudan. Mr. Haavisto succeeds Ramtane Lamamra of Algeria, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedication and commitment to efforts to find peace in Sudan.

Mr. Haavisto brings over forty years of experience in politics and international affairs, having held several ministerial positions in Finland, as well as senior roles with the UN and the European Union.

From 2019 until 2023, Mr. Haavisto was the Foreign Affairs Minister of Finland. He also has broad experience in mediation and negotiation processes in the Horn of Africa, as well as in the Middle East. From 2009 to 2017, he was the Special Representative of Finland for mediation and crisis management in Africa, and from 2005 to 2007, he served as the European Union’s Special Representative for the Sudan, taking part in the Darfur negotiations. He also served as our Senior Advisor to the Darfur peace process.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon...