UN official wants to 'reverse the dangerous cycle of escalation' in Russia-Ukraine crisis

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - A senior UN official on Wednesday warned against the "dangerous cycle of escalation" in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, citing alarming developments that further imperil regional and global stability.

"In recent days we have seen alarming signs of further escalation in this already explosive war," said Miroslav Jenca, UN assistant secretary-general for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, at a Security Council meeting.

Highlighting "disturbing reports" of North Korean troops allegedly being deployed to the conflict zone, Jenca said: "The use of ballistic missiles and related threats are a very dangerous escalatory development."

"Amid these concerning reports, systematic Russian aerial strikes have continued to wreak havoc across Ukraine," he said, adding that "the cost of this war is already too high for the people of Ukraine, and for the world – and it is growing by the day."

"We must reverse the dangerous cycle of escalation," he affirmed.

Jenca emphasized the need for adherence to international humanitarian law, and said: "We urge all parties to take immediate steps to de-escalate and to refrain from any action or rhetoric that could further intensify this war, bring more suffering to the civilian population and gravely endanger regional and international peace and security."

"This requires genuine political will and inclusive diplomatic efforts towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions," he said.