Ukraine: UN chief 'disturbed' by death of aid worker, dangerous surge in fighting

This incident follows the “appalling” shelling of a school in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, which resulted in the death of a number of civilians, the Secretary-General said in astatement released by his spokesperson on Thursdayevening.

 Ban is also seriously concerned over the “dangerous surge” in fighting in recent days and mounting civilian casualties.

“These recent, tragic incidents underscore the fragility of the current cease-fire and the importance of ensuring a secure environment in south-eastern Ukraine that will allow humanitarian actors to carry out their work and deliver critical assistance to those most in need,” the statement said.

The Secretary-General called on all parties to adhere to their commitments under the Minsk Memorandum agreed on 19 September in order to ensure a sustainable cease-fire.

Political and diplomatic efforts must be urgently redoubled toward this end. A return to full-scale fighting could be catastrophic for Ukraine, the region and beyond, the Secretary General reiterated in his statement.

Subsequently, the Security Council also voiced strong condemnation for the killing of Laurent DuPasquier.

“The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the family of  DuPasquier as well as to the ICRC and the people and Government of Switzerland the 15-Member Council said in the statement.

They also called for an “objective and thorough investigation” into the death.

An elderly returnee to Sloviansk, Ukraine, whose house was hit by artillery and needs major repairs, is comforted by a relative. Photo: UNHCR/Iva Zimova