Greece highlighted Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine during the Security Council session on Ukraine, emphasizing the severe humanitarian, political, and global impacts of the conflict.

The Greek Permanent Representative to the UN stressed the need for adherence to international law, cessation of hostilities, and a comprehensive approach to achieving peace.

In his address, Mr. Sekeris stated that Greece recognizes the difficult conditions under which Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty against Russia’s extensive aerial bombardments, which are now in their third year. He also highlighted recent attacks, such as the bombing of Zaporizhzhia, which resulted in the highest civilian casualty toll in the past two years.

Greece unequivocally condemned attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, calling for strict adherence to international humanitarian law.

“The presence of North Korean troops in the theater of war endangers international peace and security on an expanded regional scale, with potentially far-reaching consequences for global nuclear security,” Mr. Sekeris noted.

The Greek delegation underscored the global consequences of the war, especially in the area of food security. Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and subsequent attacks on Ukrainian ports and third-country ships have exacerbated food shortages, particularly in Africa, Mr. Sekeris pointed out.

Reaffirming its commitment to international law and dialogue, Greece called for the immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.

“Greece’s foreign policy has always been defined by our commitment to and adherence to international law, and the belief that all disputes can be resolved through dialogue is deeply ingrained in our culture. We reaffirm our commitment to a just and lasting peace, which requires, among other things, the immediate, full, and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory within its internationally recognized borders, in accordance with the UN Charter, international law, and General Assembly resolutions,” Mr. Sekeris said.

Rosemary DiCarlo: ‘We condemn Russia’s large-scale attacks. They must stop’
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Rosemary DiCarlo, briefed the Security Council on the ongoing situation in Ukraine, highlighting the deep suffering endured by its people since Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022.

This invasion, she noted, was launched in violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, causing destruction and suffering, which intensified during the holiday season with escalating hostilities and increased civilian casualties.

According to Ms. DiCarlo, the impact on civilians has been devastating. Civilian casualties in 2024 increased by 30% compared to the previous year, with children bearing a significant burden.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that at least 12,456 civilians, including 669 children, have been killed, while 28,382 civilians, including 1,833 children, have been injured since the invasion began. It is believed that the actual numbers are significantly higher. Additionally, attacks on schools and hospitals increased alarmingly, with more than 580 facilities damaged or destroyed in just nine months in 2024.

Ms. DiCarlo noted that the humanitarian crisis remains severe, with over 1,600 people displaced in early 2025 due to intensified fighting in areas like Donetsk and Kharkiv. Humanitarian needs for 2025 are immense, with 12.7 million people requiring assistance and $2.6 billion needed to address immediate needs. Conditions near the front lines are rapidly deteriorating, and attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are worsening already harsh winter conditions. Particularly tragic, she added, is the situation in Russian-occupied areas, where limited humanitarian access exacerbates suffering.

Regarding the field situation, Ms. DiCarlo mentioned that diplomatic and international actors face increasing risks, with attacks on embassies and humanitarian workers becoming more frequent.

“The involvement of military personnel from North Korea in fighting alongside Russian forces raises additional concerns about the internationalization of the conflict. Meanwhile, hostilities persist unabated in eastern and southern Ukraine, with clashes spreading into Russia’s Kursk region, further destabilizing the situation,” she said.

The Deputy Secretary-General emphasized that serious human rights violations have been documented, including credible allegations of executions and widespread torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces. Similar allegations against Ukrainian forces are being investigated by Ukrainian authorities. These abuses underscore the grave violations of international law occurring on both sides of the conflict, she noted.

Despite the challenges, Ms. DiCarlo highlighted some positive developments, including recent prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, which allowed hundreds of captives to return home.

“These exchanges offer a glimmer of hope for increased cooperation between the warring parties,” she said.

The UN Secretary-General reiterated the Organization’s readiness to support any effort aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

Ms. DiCarlo concluded her briefing by urging all parties to prioritize ending the conflict and addressing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

Arms Embargo on Libya: New Provision in a UN Resolution on Military Aircraft and Ships
Greece expressed its support for the new resolution on Libya through its Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris.

The resolution aims to balance the maintenance of sanctions with the issues raised by Libyan authorities, focusing on stability, security, and progress in Libya while safeguarding the interests of the Libyan people.

The resolution renews the sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Libya. It includes provisions targeting illegal exports of oil, crude oil, and refined products, introducing new criteria to address individuals and entities supporting armed groups or criminal networks involved in these activities.

By strengthening sanctions, the resolution, according to Mr. Sekeris, seeks to combat illegal activities that undermine Libya’s stability and security.

Regarding the improvement of Libya’s security infrastructure, the resolution addresses issues related to providing member states with technical assistance and training to enhance security in Libya.

“We express the hope that this provision will contribute to advancing the reunification of Libyan military and security institutions,” stated the Greek Permanent Representative.

Concerning the arms embargo, the resolution allows for the temporary import of military aircraft and surface units into Libya under specific conditions, a point highlighted by the Greek Permanent Representative.

“The resolution introduces a new provision stipulating that the arms embargo does not apply to military aircraft or ships that temporarily enter Libyan territory solely for delivering supplies or facilitating activities exempted or not covered by the arms embargo, including humanitarian aid and defensive weapons and related materials under certain conditions.

It is essential for this provision to be implemented in good faith to avoid any misuse that could negatively impact the peace process. Given that this is a new provision, monitoring its implementation is also necessary,” Mr. Sekeris stated.

By supporting the resolution and its provisions, Greece reaffirmed its commitment to Libya’s stability and the promotion of a peaceful solution to the prolonged crisis.

“As a neighboring country, Greece would like to reiterate once again the need to advance the political process, aiming for a strong, stable, and united Libya free from foreign interference,” Mr. Sekeris said.