With tensions and mistrust growing in Ukraine, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the international community to help the key actors calm the situation and work toward a durable and fair political solution, ahead of closed-door Security Council consultations on the crisis.

The Secretary-General is shocked and gravely concerned about the escalation of violence in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, which has resulted in further fatalities and injuries. He reiterates to all sides that the use of violence is unacceptable.