New Delhi: The United Nations Security Council convened a second emergency session on Thursday over the Ukraine-Russia crisis, "due to military developments" on the ground.
Making a statement at the UNSC meeting, India urged for immediate de-escalation and requested the countries to refrain from any further action.
Speaking at the UNSC, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said, “The Security Council had met two days ago and discussed the situation. We had called for urgent de-escalation of tensions and emphasised on sustained and focused diplomacy to address all issues concerning the situation. However, we note with regret, that the calls of the international community to give time to the recent initiatives undertaken by parties to diffuse tensions were not heeded. The situation is in danger of spiraling into a major crisis.”
He added, “We express our deep concern over the developments, which if not handled carefully, may well undermine the peace and security of the region. We call for immediate de-escalation and refraining from any further action that could contribute to a worsening of the situation. We call on all parties to exert greater efforts to bridge divergent interests. I would like to underline that the legitimate security interests of all parties should be fully taken into account.”
Tirumurti said India has consistently advocated at the United Nations the need for peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international laws.
He also said, "Over 20,000 Indian students in Ukraine, we are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as we may be required."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gave the opening statement in the meet asking Russian President Putin to withdraw his troops and give peace a chance.
He said, "Indeed an operation is being prepared (by Russia). President Vladimir Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance."
Maintaining its stand over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US asked the Putin government to send his troops back from Ukraine.
The US representative said at the UNSC meeting, "We will continue to respond to Russia's action with unity. We are here to ask Russia to stop, return to their border, send troops back to barracks. Bring your diplomats to the negotiation table...Russia literally has violated Ukraine's sovereignty."
The meeting was held after Kyiv requested the UNSC earlier Wednesday and was backed by Western Security Council members.
In the letter requesting the meeting, Ukraine's ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya, underscored that there was an "immediate threat of a Russian offensive" and that separatists in eastern Ukraine had "requested military assistance" from Russia, as per an AFP report.