Pakistan, July 29 -- Pakistan expressed deep concern over the rising civilian casualties and harm to critical global food and energy infrastructure in the Russia-Ukraine war, urged an immediate ceaasefire and a return to diplomacy when the UN Security Council met in an emergency session on Monday.

"The ripple effect of such actions negatively impact lives and livelihoods far beyond the conflict zone, especially in the Global South," Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the 15-member Council, which was requested by Ukraine.

The Pakistani envoy spoke after UN officials warned the Security Council that intensified hostilities in Ukraine and systematic attacks on Black Sea ports are exacting a...