The war on Ukraine is senseless in its scope, ruthless in its dimensions and limitless in its potential for global harm. We need quick and decisive action to ensure a steady flow of food and energy in open markets, by lifting export restrictions, allocating surpluses and reserves to those who need them, and addressing food price increases to calm market volatility.

[L]et me say that, in many ways, we are at ground zero for the world we need to build – a world of respect for international law, the UN Charter and the power of multilateralism, a world that protects civilians, a world that advances human rights, a world where leaders live up to the values that they have promised to uphold.

[I] call on Russians and Ukrainians to silence the guns and forge a path to safety for so many at immediate risk. The 4-day Easter period should be a moment to unite around saving lives and furthering dialogue to end the suffering in Ukraine.

The people of Ukraine cannot bear the violence being inflicted on them. And the most vulnerable people around the globe cannot become collateral damage in yet another disaster for which they bear no responsibility. We need to silence the guns and accelerate negotiations towards peace, now. For the people of Ukraine. For the people of the region. 

With all the warning signals flashing red, we have a duty to act […] We need serious negotiations for peace, based on the principles of the United Nations Charter. I urge the [Security] Council to do everything in its power to end the war and to mitigate its impact, both on the suffering people of Ukraine, and on vulnerable people and developing countries around the world.