Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba

Amid escalating tensions with Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told the UN General Assembly, on Wednesday, that there is still time for diplomacy to resolve the crisis between Russia and Ukraine and the UN should take a more proactive role in facilitating such an approach.

During a UN General Assembly meeting on the situation in Ukraine, Kuleba said, “There is still an opportunity for diplomacy to say its word, even as Russia continues its escalation and provocations.”

“[If] the United Nations make a pivot right now to become a strong and proactive player, which is not afraid of resolute actions and using all of its mind and powers, I am confident that Russia will stop,” he added.

The top Ukrainian diplomat went on to say that "the beginning of a large-scale war in Ukraine will be the end of the world order as we know it.”

He added that “if Russia does not get a severe, swift and decisive response now, this will mean a total bankruptcy of the international security system and international institutions which are tasked with maintaining the global security order," stressing that "Ukraine is not planning a military offensive in Donbass."

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow was ready to seek "diplomatic solutions", but reiterated that the country's interests were non-negotiable.

"Our country is always open for direct and honest dialogue, for the search for diplomatic solutions to the most complex problems," Putin said in a video address to mark the "Defender of Fatherland Day", a public holiday in Russia.