UN Official Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Ukraine as Civilian Casualties Mount in Current Wars in the World
The briefing at the UN Security Council highlighted the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire amid the current wars in the world, with UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo emphasizing that the Ukraine conflict is entering a dangerous new phase marked by intensifying attacks and mounting civilian casualties on both sides. [3] DiCarlo called for efforts toward an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine during the high-level briefing on September 23, 2026. [3]
UN Official Urges Immediate Ceasefire
UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo on September 23, 2026, called for efforts toward an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine at the UN headquarters in New York. [3] She told the Security Council that nearly five years in, Russia and Ukraine face a stark choice between an even larger conflict and a conscious decision to pursue peace. [3] DiCarlo stated that diplomatic engagement must be matched by meaningful de-escalation to prevent greater dangers to civilians, the region, and international peace. [3] She reiterated the world body's call to redouble diplomatic efforts toward an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine. [3]
Escalating Civilian Toll on Both Sides
The UN has verified at least 17,257 civilians killed and 53,693 injured in Ukraine since February 2022, according to DiCarlo's briefing. [3] Russian authorities reported 443 civilians killed and 2,932 injured in Russia from January through August, representing a sharp increase compared with the same period last year. [3] DiCarlo noted that international humanitarian law is clear in prohibiting attacks directed against civilians and civilian infrastructure, adding that these attacks are unacceptable and must stop immediately. [3] The civilian impact of the conflict inside Russia has grown significantly over the past year, she said. [3]
Russia's Daily Military Losses
Russia has lost 1,540 soldiers killed and wounded over the past day, bringing its total number of personnel losses to 1,523,980 since February 24, 2022, according to Ukraine's General Staff. [1] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the total combat losses of the Russian forces between February 24, 2022, and September 24, 2026, with the latest daily addition of 1,540 military personnel. [1] Additional equipment losses included 15 armoured combat vehicles, 24 artillery systems, and 792 operational-tactical UAVs in the same period. [1] The information is being confirmed by Ukrainian sources. [1]
Zelenskyy Announces Transfer of North Korean POWs
Ukraine has sent two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday following months of consultations between Kyiv and Seoul. [2] The soldiers were captured in Russia's Kursk region. [2] Zelenskyy made the announcement during his address to the assembly. [2]
Warnings of Wider Regional Risks in Current Wars in the World
DiCarlo warned that the Ukraine conflict is entering a dangerous new phase, with attacks intensifying daily, civilian casualties mounting, destruction spreading, the risk of regional spillover growing, and consequences being felt far beyond the battlefield. [3] She stated that the choice between larger conflict and peace will impact everyone. [3] Without meaningful de-escalation, the dangers to civilians, to the wider region, and to international peace and security will only grow, according to the UN official. [3]
What to watch next: Continued diplomatic efforts toward an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire remain the focus as civilian casualty figures continue to be verified on both sides.
