Ukraine warns at UN of possible revision of front-line ceasefire proposal

Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Andriy Melnik, said at a Security Council meeting that Kyiv may withdraw its proposal for a ceasefire along the actual front line if the Security Council continues to maintain a wait-and-see position.

Melnik recalled that over the past 15 months Ukraine had repeatedly called on the Security Council to adopt a resolution on a full and unconditional ceasefire, but those calls had gone unanswered.

“Over the past 15 months, Ukraine has repeatedly called on the Security Council to adopt a resolution on a full and unconditional ceasefire. Unfortunately, the hand extended by Ukraine has been left hanging in the air. Ukraine is ready to enter into direct negotiations with Russia to achieve a just and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter, but our patience is not unlimited. If the Security Council continues to maintain a wait-and-see position, I do not rule out that Ukraine may reconsider and change its proposal. A ceasefire along the actual front line is already a major compromise,” — Melnik said.

Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, holds veto power. For this reason, the body is unlikely to be able to adopt a resolution calling for an end to the war along the front line — unless Moscow itself joins this concept.