February 02, 2026 10:07 am (IST)
Follow us:
Despite recent escalation, conflict in Ukraine can be averted: Ban
New York, May 13 (IBNS): There is still time to avert a full-blown conflict in Ukraine, where the crisis continues to escalate, particularly in the east and south of the country, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Monday.
“Over the past weeks, there has been much violence and little dialogue,” Ban told reporters at UN Headquarters. “I call on all those who have sought to undermine Ukraine’s unity, territorial integrity and stability to immediately cease such actions.
“The authorities in Kyiv must also continue to respond to such acts with maximum restraint and within the parameters of Ukrainian law and international human rights principles,” he added.
The Secretary-General’s comments come in the wake of referenda held over the weekend in two more areas of eastern Ukraine, adding to the ongoing tensions in the country.
“There is still time to halt the descent of Ukraine into full-blown conflict,” said Ban.
He urged all sides to “find a way back” to the spirit of compromise exhibited last month in Geneva, when an accord was reached on a series of steps to de-escalate tensions in eastern Ukraine, and to implement the provisions of that agreement without delay.
Ukrainian officials have announced that the presidential election will be held later this month. It was originally scheduled for May of next year, but was brought forward following the political crisis in the country.
Ban appealed to all the people of Ukraine to express their grievances and aspirations peacefully, including by casting their ballots in the presidential elections on May 25.
(Ukrainian flags in front of the House with Chimaeras, Kyiv. Photo: UNDP Kyiv)
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
Epstein Files: Images show Prince Andrew crouching over woman, spark fresh embarrassment
Sun, Feb 01 2026
Burkina Faso’s military junta bans political parties: What triggered the move and what lies ahead
Sat, Jan 31 2026
Trump threatens 50% tariff on 'all Canadian aircraft', stoking fresh tensions with Ottawa
Fri, Jan 30 2026
EU labels Iran's Revolutionary Guards as 'terrorist organisation' amid deadly crackdown on protests
Fri, Jan 30 2026
EU set to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as terror organisation alongside Al Qaeda, Hamas
Thu, Jan 29 2026
Civilian train hit as Russian strikes leave 12 dead in Ukraine
Wed, Jan 28 2026