The UN Security Council, at the request mainly of its Western member states, convened an emergency public session following the recognition of the independence of the regions of Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian separatists from the Russia, diplomats reported. The request was submitted—based on a letter from Ukraine to the Organization—by the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, and Albania, and was also co-signed by Mexico, according to the same diplomatic sources.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, expressed the organization’s «regret» over Russia’s decision to recognize the independence of the breakaway People’s Republics in eastern Ukraine, which are controlled by pro-Russian separatists, and the «order to deploy Russian troops in eastern Ukraine.».
«The coming hours and days will be critical. The risk of a major conflict is real and must be avoided at all costs», he added at the start of the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the Ukrainian crisis, which was convened at the request of mainly Western member states.
The United Nations is committed to upholding national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within the framework of international law, as well as its internationally recognized borders, Ms. DiCarlo added.
