UN Calls for Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks to Resume

New York, 20 May 2026 (ONA) — The United Nations (UN) has called for the resumption of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to prevent further escalation, stressing that dialogue remains the only path to achieving peace.

The appeal was made during a Security Council briefing by Kayoko Gotoh, Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division at the UN Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

Gotoh condemned all attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, emphasizing that such attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law and calling for their immediate cessation.

She urged the resumption of negotiations without delay to prevent further escalation and make progress toward an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire.

Gotoh stated that dialogue based on genuine political will, commitment to the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions represents the only route toward a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. She added that the UN stands ready to support all serious efforts in this regard.

The Security Council also heard a briefing from Edem Wosornu of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), who said humanitarian workers in Ukraine had faced repeated attacks during the past week.

Wosornu stressed the importance of protecting humanitarian personnel, noting that directly targeting aid workers is prohibited under international law and may constitute war crimes.

She called on all parties to ensure that such incidents do not recur and affirmed OCHA’s readiness to cooperate with relevant parties to support safe and voluntary evacuations and ensure humanitarian access to front-line communities.