New York, 7 May 2022 (dpa/MIA) - More than two months after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, the UN Security Council has for the first time agreed on a joint statement. The most powerful UN body unanimously declared with the consent of Russia, a permanent member, that it was "deeply concerned" about the conflict in Ukraine, and welcomed the mediation efforts of UN Secretary General António Guterres. While the agreement is considered the weakest possible statement by the panel, it is also seen as a glimmer of hope. "Following the Secretary General's meetings with Putin, this is a signal that Russia and the Western powers are willing to see if Guterres can do more shuttle diplomacy," said UN expert Richard Gowan of the Crisis Group think tank. Besides Russia, the United States, China, France and Britain are also permanent members at the council and have veto power. Moscow has been using it since the start of the war to prevent all possible steps from the body.