United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres spoke at an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly focused on Ukraine, underscoring that the tactical use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable under any circumstances. This stance comes amid growing concerns about indirect threats to employ nuclear arms and the broader risk such rhetoric poses to regional stability and global security. The Secretary-General emphasized that any consideration of nuclear use would be a dangerous escalation, warning that it could push the world toward a destabilizing cliff edge. His message was clear: nuclear weapons must remain off the table in any conflict scenario and every effort should be made to reduce tensions and prevent miscalculation.
The session marked the resumption of discussions by the 11th Extraordinary General Assembly, which had been convened in response to the unfolding crisis since the onset of the conflict that began with a military operation in the region. Participants from member states described the current climate as volatile, with regional instability reverberating beyond national borders and fueling broader tensions among nations. The gathering served as a platform for states to express concern about the human, economic, and strategic consequences of renewed warfare, and to call for diplomatic avenues that could de-escalate the situation and protect civilians caught in the fighting.
Within the debate, Belarus offered a position that urged Western nations to refrain from supplying weapons to Ukraine, arguing that arms deliveries could prolong hostilities and complicate efforts toward peace. A high-priority objective discussed at the session was identifying a pathway toward a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace in Ukraine. A special session of the General Assembly was scheduled for February 22 to consider a draft resolution focused on addressing these principles and outlining steps that could underpin a durable ceasefire and political settlement.
Two notable amendments were proposed by the Belarusian delegation as part of the draft text. The first aimed to remove language that would demand an immediate, unconditional withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukraine to its internationally recognized borders. Instead, the proposal urged an immediate cessation of hostilities, paired with a commitment to pursue diplomatic channels that could lead to a negotiated settlement. The second amendment focused on balancing security and peace by prioritizing de-escalation measures while preserving a framework for accountability and international law. These proposals reflected a broader debate about the most effective means to halt fighting, reduce casualties, and create favorable conditions for dialogue and reconstruction.
Across many capitals, diplomats and observers stressed the importance of unity among UN member states in addressing the Ukraine crisis. While some governments called for stronger sanctions or military aid as deterrents, others emphasized the primacy of diplomatic engagement and the protection of civilians. The assembly’s discussions highlighted the delicate balance between swift action to deter aggression and patient diplomacy required to achieve a lasting, rules-based peace. In this environment, the role of the UN remains central as a forum for negotiation, a guardian of international law, and a facilitator of humanitarian aid and reconciliation efforts.
Throughout the talks, there was broad agreement that the conflict has far-reaching implications for regional stability, global governance, and the norms that govern the use of force. The call to prevent the use of nuclear weapons—particularly in a tactical context—anchored the debate, reinforcing the principle that nuclear deterrence should not be escalated into practical warfare. As nations navigated a complex mix of national interests and shared responsibilities, the importance of restraint, verification, and open communication was a recurring theme. The international community remains committed to exploring peaceful solutions, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding human lives amid a volatile security environment.