The United Nations Security Council issued a statement on Friday, unanimously affirming its "strong support" for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "in his pursuit of a peaceful resolution" to the war Russia is waging in Ukraine, according to diplomatic sources.

The statement, prepared by Norway and Mexico and seen by AFP, does not go as far as supporting Guterres' mediation as an initial draft text negotiated since Thursday had stipulated.

The statement, which was approved, reflects a unified position for the first time by the Security Council since Russia's attack on Ukraine on February 24.

Shortly after the outbreak of the war, Russia used its veto power against a resolution condemning it and demanding the withdrawal of its army to Russian territory.

The very brief text stated that "the Security Council expresses its deep concern regarding the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine."

Also, the 15 council members reminded in their statement that "all member states have pledged, under the United Nations Charter, to settle their international disputes by peaceful means."

The statement finally requested the UN Secretary-General to submit a report after the adoption of the statement.

The United Nations, whose mission is to maintain peace in the world, has not taken on any role as a potential mediator for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. Its intervention in this country and neighboring states is limited to the humanitarian aspect.

Warning of Russian shelling on Victory Day

On the ground, officials from the Ukrainian National Security Council warned the population today, Friday, of the increasing severity of shelling on Sunday and Monday, coinciding with the Victory Day celebrations in Russia.

A post on Facebook from the Disinformation Combat Center affiliated with the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine urged citizens not to ignore air raid sirens.

The post stated: "Since the Russian forces cannot boast any real achievements on the front on Victory Day, the intensity of the massive shelling of Ukrainian cities on that day increases."

Separately, today, Friday, Vitali Klitschko, mayor of Kyiv, said authorities would not extend the curfew in Kyiv but patrols would be redeployed in the streets.

Moscow celebrates Soviet Victory Day over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9 every year.