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Türkiye's U.N. envoy warned on Tuesday, Feb. 24, that "misleading" comparisons with other conflicts risk undermining efforts to end the war in Ukraine, as the U.N. Security Council session marking the conflict's fourth anniversary descended into mutual accusations among major powers.
"As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, the human loss, destruction and civil humanitarian consequences caused by the conflict continue to grow each day," Ahmet Yildiz said at a U.N. General Assembly session.
"This protracted war has profound implications for international peace and security. It is high time to end it, and the ultimate solution lies in diplomacy," he added.
Yildiz reaffirmed Ankara's position, saying Türkiye continues to support Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while consistently advocating for a negotiated solution.
"Since the very outset of the conflict, Türkiye has assumed a leading role in international diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine," Yildiz said.
"In pursuit of this objective, we have maintained close contact with both Ukraine and Russia to develop pathways for a diplomatic solution," he noted.
Highlighting Türkiye's mediation efforts, Yildiz pointed to talks held in Antalya and Istanbul at the early stages of the war.
"Last year, Turkiye hosted three rounds of direct technical talks between the warring parties in Istanbul. The Istanbul talks served as a cornerstone for confidence building, enabling the process on humanitarian issues and making dialogue possible," he said.
Yildiz welcomed the resumption of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine and the latest U.S.-led efforts to promote diplomacy. "The renewed diplomatic momentum has raised hopes for a negotiated solution," he said.
"That said, significant issues remain unresolved. Only with a strong commitment to a peaceful settlement and understanding that there are no losers in peace can a negotiated solution be achieved," Yildiz added.
"I wish to express my sincere hope that the next year will mark not another year of war, but an anniversary of peace," he said.
U.S. Deputy UN Envoy Tammy Bruce told the U.N. Security Council that four "long, brutal years" have passed since the war escalated, resulting in thousands of casualties.
"Military force will never resolve this conflict; only a diplomatic solution, agreed to by both sides, can do so," Bruce said, stressing that Washington under U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for a negotiated settlement.
"We are closer to a deal right now than at any point since the war began. But we have obviously not reached it yet; the fighting continues," she added.
Bruce singled out foreign support for Moscow, claiming "China remains the decisive enabler of Russia's war industrial machine." She also criticized North Korea, Iran, and Cuba for allegedly providing troops, weapons and technology that prolong the conflict.
"The United States calls on all UN Member States to end any support that enables the continuation of this deplorable war, which exacts a devastating human toll and threatens peace and security around the world," Bruce said.
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China's UN envoy Fu Cong sharply rejected the U.S. allegations. "The statement just made by the U.S. representative once again smeared and vilified China, which is completely unacceptable," he said.
"China is not the creator of the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to the conflict," Fu said, adding that Beijing maintains "normal economic and trade relations" with Russia, Ukraine, the U.S., and European states.
Fu accused the U.S. of fabricating "all sorts of excuses and lies" and engaging in "explicit political manipulation" aimed at inciting "block confrontation" and creating "division and conflict."
"We call on the US to stop deflecting attention, stop shifting blame and stop creating conflicts and wars around the world," Fu said.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa accused Russia of using the negotiation process "as a cover for continuing this war of aggression, banking on time."
Betsa said Russia launched more than 6,000 drones, approximately 5,500 guided air bombs, and 158 missiles of various types at Ukrainian civilian targets in 2025 alone.
She called for sanctions against Russia, defense support and security guarantees for Ukraine, and full compensation from Russia for damages inflicted on Ukraine.
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