“While we are faced with a renewed escalation on the ground and the crisis elsewhere, it is essential to maintain concentrated attention on the urgent need of peace in Ukraine,” said UN deputy secretary general, Miroslav Jenča – one of the two senior officials who are briefing ambassadors.

During the three weeks following the last meeting of the Council on Ukraine, Russia led large -scale attacks that are implacable against cities and cities, resulting in a significant increase in civilian victims.

Kyiv Deadly Attack

A combined attack of drones and missiles against the Kyiv capital Day after 16 to 17 June was one of the deadliest in one year. At least 28 civilians were killed and more than 130 injured. Many others are still missing under the rubble of the 35 apartments destroyed that night.

Attacks would also have taken place in Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Zytomyr, Kiroohrad, Mykolav and kyiv the same evening, with two civilians were killed and were injured in Odesa.

“These levels of death and destruction risk a drop in hope for an immediate cease-fire and threaten to undermine the prospects for lasting peace,” he said.

“Spectacular increase” of victims

United Nations Human Rights Office data, Ohchrreveals that at least 13,438 civilians, including 713 children, have been killed since Russia launched its large -scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 33,270 other civilians were injured, including more than 2,000 children.

The number of civilian victims in the first five months of this year alone totaled 5,144 – almost 50% more than in the same period in 2024. In the number, 859 were killed and 4,285 injured.

“This spectacular increase is the result of an intensified use of long -range weapons, both of missiles and blurred ammunition, against the cities of Ukraine,” said Jenča.

The Ukrainian authorities report that between June 1 and 17, the Russian forces launched at least 3,340 long -range drones, including ammunition and lure drones of strolling, and 135 missiles in the country. This is compared to 544 long -range ammunition launched throughout June 2024.

Attacks reported in Russia

The climbing of violence also continues to be reported in the Russian regions which borders Ukraine, although a much lower level.

In the Kursk region, a woman died in the hospital one day after being injured during a Ukrainian drone attack while a man was killed, and five others injured, during a strike from a recreational center. The UN has not been able to check these reports.

“Allow me once again unequivocal-attacks on civilians and civil infrastructure is strictly prohibited by international humanitarian law, wherever they occur,” said Jenča, reiterating the United Nations condemnation.

Diplomatic developments welcomed

Meanwhile, “significant diplomatic developments took place on the difficult route to lasting peace in Ukraine”.

The Ukrainian and Russian delegations held their second meeting opposite Istanbul on June 2. They would have exchanged written memorandums describing their respective visions for a cease-fire and parameters against a future peace establishment.

The parties also concluded an agreement for the large -scale exchange of prisoners of war, fatal remains and civilian detainees. Exchanges have been made since then, the last round that took place earlier Friday. The deadly remains of 6,057 Ukrainians and 78 Russian services were also returned to June 16.

“We welcome the pursuit of all significant diplomatic efforts, including recent talks in Istanbul. We urge the parties to progress tangible to a ceasefire and a lasting settlement by continuous discussions, “said Jenča.

Faced with climbing, he called to fear efforts “to ensure that the fragile diplomatic process is not only supported but becomes irreversible”.

Civilians carry the weight

Meanwhile, civilians continue to bear the serious consequences of war, said Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations at the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs Coordination (Ochha).

“While war continues, millions of lives are affected every day.

About 3.7 million people have been moved to Ukraine, including 60,000 newly displaced people from first -line regions since January. Nearly six million citizens are now refugees, mainly in Europe.

In the midst of the intensification of hostilities, the government continues to order the compulsory evacuation of families with children from front-line villages, she said. However, for some people in these places, “attacks are so frequent that the evacuations themselves become a risky perspective”.

Risky humanitarian workers

Wosornu noted that humanitarian workers are also faced with growing threats. This year, two humanitarian workers were killed and 24 injured during the aid, and some 68 incidents of violence concerning rescue staff, assets and facilities were recorded.

She said that “despite an operational environment assaulted by multiple risks and challenges”, the humanitarian workers remain committed and committed, and their operations are continuing. Between January and May, they reached some 3.4 million people with vital aid, including food, water, medicines, health services and support for livelihoods.

Humanitarians are looking for $ 2.6 billion for Ukraine this year, and $ 816 million was obtained, she said, stressing the importance of the importance of “timely financial support”.

Put an end to war

Ms. Wosornu concluded her remarks by renewing the calls before that the Council takes urgent collective measures in three areas, in particular by protecting civilians and ensuring safe humanitarian access to all needs.

Ambassadors have also been invited to ensure supported financial support because the “drop in financing trends” threatens aid efforts.

His final request was a call to “put an end to this war and, until then, ensuring that humanitarian concerns are a central element of discussions on a break in the fighting or in the long term.”

In an address at the UN Security advice Friday, Mr. Guterres argued urgent for de -escalation, qualifying the confrontation in a spiral a decisive moment for the future of world security.

“” We do not derive towards the crisis – we run towards it“He said.

“It’s a moment that could shape the fate of nations …The expansion of this conflict could light a fire that no one can control“He warned.

Generalized panic, destruction

The secretary general’s remarks occurred in the midst of a civil report in Israel and Iran, and as several nuclear sites in Iran have made direct military assault.

More than 100 objectives have been achieved through Iran, including military and nuclear infrastructure such as nuclear installations in Natanz and Isfahan and the heavy water reactor in Khondab.

Iranian officials report more than 224 civil deaths, with some estimates twice as high. More than 2,500 would have been injured – while major cities like Tehran have seen mass travel, fuel shortages and general panic.

Iran responded with its own damage missile strikes on Israel, striking cities like such Aviv, Haifa and Beersheba. Critical civil sites, including the Soroka Medical Center and the Weizmann Research Institute, have been damaged. Twenty-four Israelis are confirmed dead, with more than 900 injured.

Give a chance to peace

Mr. Guterres urged the two parties to give diplomacy a chance, reiterating the need for complete Iranian cooperation with the United Nations Nuclear Energy Dog, Aieaand warn that The “only predictable thing about this conflict is its unpredictability”.

He also called for unit within the Security Council and to membership of Charter of the United Nations.

“The non-proliferation treaty is the cornerstone of international security,” he said. “Iran must respect it. But the only way to fill the gap of trust is by diplomacy – not destruction. ”

Expansion of regional benefits

Rosemary Dicarlo, United Nations Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs, has echoed these concerns, offering an overview of violence and the increase in human toll.

“The vast majority are civilians,” she said, warning of a “real-time humanitarian crisis”.

The regional repercussions develop, the airspace restrictions now extending to Lebanon in Iraq. The missiles of the Houthi forces of Yemen have targeted Israel and occupied the Palestinian territory, while the armed groups in Iraq would have mobilized.

“Any new expansion of the conflict could have enormous consequences for international peace and security,” said Dicarlo.

It also underlined the global economic implications, noting that trade in the Vital Strait of Hormuz dropped by 15% in the midst of increasing tensions.

Serious warnings in nuclear security

The most alarming update, however, came from the director general of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, who warned the council that Israeli attacks against Iranian nuclear installations degrade critical security systems and placing millions with potential radiological risks.

In Natanz, the destruction of electrical infrastructure and direct strikes in enrichment rooms have led to internal contamination. Although no radiological release has been detected outside the establishment, Mr. Grosi warned that uranium compounds are now pose significant health risks.

In Isfahan, several buildings – including a uranium conversion plant and a metal processing installation – have been affected. On the Khondab reactor site of Arak, the damage was suffered, although the installation is not operational.

The greatest risk, however, is the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which remains operational.

A direct strike, warned Mr. Grosi, “could lead to a high election of radioactivity to the environment”.

Million at risk

Even the disruption of his external diet could lead to a central collapse. In the worst case, the influence would affect populations hundreds of kilometers and would require massive evacuations.

Grossi also warned of any attack on the Tehran nuclear research reactor, which could endanger millions in the capital.

“” Nuclear installations and materials should not be surrounded by the fog of war“He said.We must maintain communication, transparency and restraint.“”

Stand

By concluding his briefing, Mr. Grossi promised that the AIEA would continue to monitor and report on the nuclear security conditions in Iran and reiterated his desire to mediate.

He stressed that the agency “can guarantee, through a system of waterproof inspections”, that nuclear weapons will not be developed in IranUndering dialogue.

“The alternative is a prolonged conflict-and an imminent nuclear threat that would erode the global non-proliferation regime.”

They shared their experiences during an event this week at the UN headquarters to mark 20 years of the Peace Building Commission (PBC).

The intergovernmental council body supports emerging countries of conflicts in fields such as governance, justice, reconciliation, construction of institutions and sustainable development.

Pain and promise

“” The history of Liberia is pain, but also of promise“Said Ms. Johnson-Sirleaf in a video message.

“A nation once kneeling by a prolonged conflict is now a testimony to what is possible when the national will is equal by international solidarity.”

In August 2003, the Liberian government, two rebel groups and several political parties signed a peace agreement in Accra, Ghana, after 14 years of civil war.

Build a new Liberia

“Knowing that Liberia could not come back to what it was, we had to build a new nation based on new structures of governance of inclusion, transparency, justice and hope,” said the former president and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Critical institutions such as the central bank, the judiciary, the anti-corruption commission and even civil society organizations were to be restructured or built from zero. And women played a central role in peace efforts by leading advocacy, mediation and community reconstruction.

“Above all, too, The way from Liberia to Peace could not be walked alone“She said.

Ms. Johnson-Sirleaf stressed the essential role played by the international community through the UN and its peacekeeping mission AmilRegional Cerceas Bloc, the African Union, the European Union and other entities.

“A work in progress”

She also expressed her gratitude to multilateral and bilateral partners – including PBC – whose technical, financial and moral support has thrown the foundations of peace which enjoyed today.

“The peace of Liberia remains a work in progress,” she said. “We are still faced with challenges – economic fragility, bottlenecks of governance and aspirations of a young population of the population. But we have also traveled a long way. ”

PBC has supported peacebuilding efforts in more than 30 countries and regions, for example by supporting the democratic transition in Gambia and collaborating with Timor Leste to advance stability.

His “intervention and determination at a critical moment is not only manifestly historic, but serves as a cardinal reference point for preventive diplomacy and international solidarity,” said Gambia Minister Mamadou Tangara.

Increased conflicts

Rosemary Dicarlo, under-secretary general of the United Nations for political affairs and peacebuilding, pointed out that the event took place at a time when conflicts become more and more numerous, more prolonged and more complex, and as negotiated regulations become even more difficult to achieve.

“” In this context, the role of the peace consolidation committee remains critical and more necessary than ever“She said.

She underlined the Pact for the futureAdopted by UN member states last September, which recognizes the central role of civil society, women and young people, and the value of United Nations partnerships with regional organizations and international financial institutions.

“Above all, the pact has decided to strengthen the peace’s consolidation committee,” she said. “Our task is to translate this ambition into practical progress.”

Still relevant today

Dicarlo said that the PBC “should be equipped, strengthened and empowered to help the Member States interested in developing and implementing national strategies for prevention and strengthening peace”.

He should also have more systematic and robust links to other United Nations bodies and processes, such as the Security adviceAnd get more deeply involved with regional organizations, international financial institutions and other key partners.

“The Commission is no longer a new institution, but its relevance and its potential are not reduced at a time of increasing need. We must equip it to invest to fully deliver its mandate. ”

Speaking during the regular Friday press briefing in Geneva for humanitarian agencies, she warned that, as richer nations make profound expenditure reductions, international aid and national health systems are faced with serious disruptions.

Dr. Chalkidou has highlighted recent decisions of the United States, several European governments and EU organizations to freeze or reduce health assistance.

WHO Forecasts indicate that the world’s health investment is Likely to fall up to 40% this year, down $ 10 billion, against just over 25 billion dollars in 2023. The estimated $ 15 billion spent on health aid would lead to the figure at the lowest level in a decade.

Impacts in developing countries

This shortage of funding creates an emergency for health financing in many developing countries – especially in sub -Saharan Africa – which depend on external aid to finance their health systems.

In many countries, health programs financed by the United States have been the main source of external aid, With up to 30% of current health expenses in countries like Malawi and around 25% in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Since 2006, external aid per capita in low -income countries has systematically exceeded internal health expenses.

Many sub -Saharan nations are confronted with soaring loads – some people spend twice as much on debt service as on health – to make resources’ reallow.

The consequences are serious: Dr Chalkidou has referred to an investigation by which showing that countries today report the disturbances of health services “not seen since the peak of COVID 19».

Solutions

To combat this crisis, which urges countries to reduce dependence on aid, to increase income through the improvement of taxation, including health taxes such as tobacco and alcohol – and work with multilateral banks to guarantee low interest loans for profitable health investments.

Who also plans to attend the next International conference On the financing of development in Seville, where world leaders should address the health financing crisis and, hopefully, make new commitments.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, sounded the alarm on Friday, World Refugee DayIn a message of Syria.

He declared that the abject failure to put an end to conflicts – including in Sudan, Ukraine, in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gaza – continues to create immense suffering.

Difficulty looking for a shelter

“However, the innocent people running for their lives while the bullets fly and the missiles are unjustly stigmatized, which makes it more difficult to escape danger and find a place to recover and rebuild,” he said.

Their situation is still aggravated by brutal cuts with humanitarian aid, affecting millions that desperately need help.

“” At this critical stage, it is essential that we reaffirm our solidarity with refugees – not only with words but with urgent action“He said.

He added that inspiring examples already exist, countries that continue to welcome and welcome refugees, to local communities which “open their houses, their workplaces and their heart”, as well as “the countless individual acts of kindness and compassion that reveal our common humanity”.

Share

Grandi said that the international community can and must support these countries and communities by sharing the responsibility of protecting refugees, calling in particular the action of richer states, development banks, businesses and others.

The High Commissioner spent the day in Syria, where some 600,000 people returned from neighboring countries after 14 years of war. Overall, more than two million Syrians have returned home and their communities since the fall of the Assad regime last December.

“In a region that has suffered so much violence – and even suffers from it now – we are nevertheless presented on the occasion of helping Syrians reach stability and prosperity. We must not let him pass“He said.

Mr. Grandi met Syrian families who have spent more than a decade as refugees, whose deep joy to be among the faces and the familiar environment recall the desire for refugees for the house.

“Now more than ever, we must support ourselves with refugees to keep their hope for a better future alive,” he said.

“I met a little boy who was injured by a tank shell on one of these sites on the last day of me leaving Gaza – I learned that this little boy had died since these injuries,” said a UN children’s funds (Unicef) spokesperson James Elder. “This testifies both what is happening on these sites and what is not happening with regard to medical evacuations. »»

A recent online video featuring an Abed al-Rahman dying by 13 years that Mr. Elder met during his mission in Gaza has been seen thousands of times since its publication on June 6. In the clip, Abed explains that he asked for pain relief for his shell injuries, but none is available.

Addressing Amman journalists, Mr. Elder explained that hospitals partly destroyed, including Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, continue to treat injured children, despite a shortage of medicines and medical supplies.

“Humanitarian aid is much more than food in a box; These are oxygen kits, they are fans, they are hygiene packs; These are drugs, they are incubators, “he said. “It is all these things that the United Nations did a few months ago. »»

Mr. Elder added that the parents that children need oxygen have left the hospital “due to the fear that Nasser would be attacked again. As doctors told me, if you have a child who needs oxygen and they leave without oxygen, they will die, over time, in a tent. “

Despair, famine

The disastrous shortage of the most basic survival aid linked to Israeli restrictions continues to create despair and famine through Gaza.

“I spoke to a grandmother in tears saying: How am I perhaps to go to these sites?” Mr. Elder explained. “I have met young men who have been and have never returned with anything for seven times. So there is a total lack of equity. There is a total lack of sites. You cannot distribute help in a militarized area, in a combat zone, by a part of the conflict. ”

Those who are most sensitive to the lack of drinking water, food and fuel, the lowest gas are the weakest: young pregnant women, the elderly and the amputees, said Mr. Elder.

It would be impossible for them to browse the long distances necessary to recover rare supplies from controversial aid centers.

Mortal choice

“You have half a million people faced with famine with a deadly choice to be forced in very small pockets where most people cannot access what is officially known as combat sites,” said Unicef ​​spokesperson. “We know children [who have been] killed on these sites.

Meanwhile, malnutrition and its impact on weakened immune systems of people continue to wreak havoc, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) warned.

“The latest reports indicate that 610 patients have been admitted due to serious malnutrition complications,” said WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier. “But what does that mean?”

“This does not count the many who were too weak to reach any point, which are too weak, which cannot be transported because the roads are blocked, because there are no ambulances, or because hospitals, some of the health centers of health have been bombed and bombed and are constantly bombed and bombed. »»