In a recent address that drew international attention, Roger Waters, a co-founder of the legendary rock group Pink Floyd, urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine during a session at the United Nations Security Council. The musician conveyed his message through statements transmitted by the Russian news agency TASS, highlighting a call for urgent de-escalation amid ongoing hostilities.
Waters stressed a direct moral stance, declaring that the younger generations should not be exposed to the danger of artillery and shelling. He asserted that the only viable path forward at that moment was an immediate halt to fighting in Ukraine, insisting there should be no exceptions or delays. His message underscored a conviction that peace must take precedence over any political or strategic considerations in the present crisis.
Beyond his immediate appeal for a ceasefire, Waters extended his call to key global leaders and institutions. He urged United States President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as leaders of the European Union and NATO, to align their actions toward negotiations and a rapid cessation of hostilities that could prevent further loss of life and suffering.
Additionally, Russia convened a Security Council meeting to discuss the impact of arms shipments to Kyiv and the broader role these transfers may play in prolonging the conflict. Waters was invited by the Russian Federation to participate in this diplomatic gathering, signaling the intersection between pop culture voices and high-stakes international diplomacy in contemporary times.
Earlier remarks attributed to Waters questioned the responsibility borne by major political actors for fueling ongoing tensions. He cited comments attributed to the leaders of the United States as part of a broader critique about how external support and military supply decisions can intensify conflict, urging a reevaluation of policy directions that would favor a peaceful resolution and a negotiated settlement.
The exchange at the Security Council occurred amid a complex and shifting international landscape, where public figures from various sectors increasingly weigh in on the humanitarian consequences of war. Waters, drawing on a long history of outspoken political expression, added his voice to a chorus calling for restraint, dialogue, and a practical framework for ending the fighting as swiftly as possible.
Observers noted that the involvement of a globally recognized musician in such discussions underscores a broader trend where cultural figures help refract geopolitical tensions into accessible conversations for diverse audiences. The stance articulated by Waters emphasizes a preference for a ceasefire that could stabilize the region, reduce civilian casualties, and create openings for formal negotiations under international oversight. In this light, the appeal to ceasefire is presented not as a partisan statement but as a humanitarian appeal aimed at preserving lives and restoring a pathway to diplomacy.
As diplomatic channels continue to explore potential avenues for peace, the message attributed to Waters serves as a reminder of the urgent human cost of prolonged conflict. While political calculations and security concerns persist, the call for ceasefire and early negotiations remains a centerpiece of international discourse, inviting leaders, mediators, and publics to support reconciliation efforts and a sustainable resolution that can endure beyond immediate military goals. The event at the Security Council thus becomes part of a broader narrative about how voices from the arts can influence public perception and lend moral weight to calls for immediate de-escalation and negotiated peace, as reported by TASS and echoed by other international observers.