Washington D.C. – Liberia has called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war, warning that continued attacks on civilian infrastructure are worsening an already dire humanitarian situation as winter approaches.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh [email protected]
Liberia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Lewis Garseedah Brown made the call while addressing the UN Security Council, stressing that civilians should not continue to bear the consequences of a conflict approaching its fifth anniversary.
Brown said repeated attacks on energy infrastructure have disrupted essential services, leaving families increasingly vulnerable to shortages of electricity, water and heating.
Drawing on Liberia’s experience of civil war, he said the country’s history underscores the lasting consequences of armed conflict and the need to prioritize civilian protection.
“More than two decades after our own conflict ended, its scars remain,” Brown said.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, calling for a ceasefire leading to a just and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
Brown condemned attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect hospitals, schools and facilities essential to civilian survival.
He also called for safe and unhindered humanitarian access, access by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to prisoners of war, humane treatment of detainees and the reunification of children separated from their families.
Liberia Welcomes Humanitarian Pause
Brown welcomed a recent localized humanitarian pause in Oleshky, which allowed civilians to leave the area and receive assistance from UN agencies.
He commended U.S. First Lady Melania Trump for facilitating the operation, as well as the cooperation between Russian and Ukrainian representatives that made it possible.
He also welcomed her efforts to reunite children with their families.
The Liberian envoy urged the parties to build on the arrangement through additional humanitarian agreements, including safe civilian evacuations, expanded aid access on both sides of the front line, prisoner exchanges and the release of unlawfully detained civilians.
He cautioned that localized humanitarian pauses cannot replace a comprehensive political settlement but said they could help preserve communication channels and build confidence for further negotiations.
Calls for Inclusive Peace Process
Brown also called for the full and meaningful participation of women and young people in efforts to end the conflict, citing Liberia’s experience in post-war recovery.
He said those who help communities endure war have an important role in shaping lasting peace.
Reaffirming the Security Council’s responsibility to promote peaceful settlements of international disputes, Brown urged sustained diplomatic engagement to end the war.
He said civilians in both Ukraine and Russia deserve a future free from continued loss and uncertainty.
“Every family reunited and every civilian brought to safety matters,” Brown said.
He concluded with a call for urgent action, warning that civilians cannot continue to suffer while diplomatic efforts are delayed.
“Civilians cannot be asked to endure indefinitely while diplomacy waits,” he told the Council.
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