‘The true cost of peace’: UN honours fallen peacekeepers as dangers mount
The true cost of peace: UN honors fallen peacekeepers as dangers mount
A Global Reminder of Sacrifice
The true cost of peace has never been more apparent, as the United Nations commemorated over 4,500 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the pursuit of global stability over the past 78 years. This solemn observance coincided with a tragic incident in southern Lebanon, where a UN blue helmet from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was killed in a mortar attack, highlighting the persistent risks faced by peacekeepers in volatile regions. The event underscored the ongoing struggle to maintain peace in conflict zones, where the price of stability is often measured in human lives.
Ceremonial Tributes and Recognition
UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the ceremony by paying tribute to the fallen peacekeepers, laying a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial on the Secretariat grounds in New York. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, diplomats, and families of those who have perished in the line of duty, offering a poignant moment of reflection. Guterres emphasized that the true cost of peace remains a pressing concern, as recent events remind the world of the dangers that continue to threaten peacekeepers in their mission.
During the event, Guterres posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to 68 peacekeepers from 33 nations, recognizing their extraordinary service and sacrifice. Among these recipients, 59 were honored for their lives lost in 2025 alone, with their names and images shared to highlight their contributions. Country representatives received the medals in boxed form, a symbolic gesture that honored their dedication to international peace efforts.
“The true cost of peace is not just measured in lives lost, but in the enduring commitment of those who serve, even when the risks are high,” Guterres said in his address, which resonated deeply with attendees.
Two of the 68 recipients were awarded the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal, a tribute to exceptional bravery. Uruguay’s Sergeant Matias Reyes was honored for his actions in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in January 2025. His absence at the ceremony was due to the Ebola outbreak in the area, which had claimed many lives. Meanwhile, Sergii Prykhodko of Ukraine was recognized for his role in rescuing soldiers during the South Sudan UNMISS operation in March 2025. His widow, Tetiana Prykhodko, attended the event with their daughter, Elizabeth, to share her husband’s legacy and the personal toll of his sacrifice.
“The true cost of peace is the heartbreak of watching those we love step into the unknown, knowing the dangers they face,” Tetiana Prykhodko said, her words echoing the emotional weight of the UN’s mission.
As the UN continues its peacekeeping operations, the challenges have grown more complex. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the head of UN Peace Operations, stressed that the daily risks faced by peacekeepers are not just physical but also political, as geopolitical tensions and fragmented conflicts create unpredictable environments. The true cost of peace is further compounded by the increasing reliance on technology, which can be both a tool for protection and a target for adversaries.
With over 50,000 peacekeepers deployed worldwide, the UN remains a critical force in maintaining stability. However, financial constraints from delayed contributions have strained operations, leading to reduced patrols and stalled projects. Despite these challenges, peacekeepers continue to serve in the true cost of peace, demonstrating unwavering resolve in the face of adversity. Their work includes protecting civilians, supporting elections, and delivering aid to communities in need, often in the most dangerous conditions.
The recent incident in southern Lebanon marked the seventh UNIFIL peacekeeper killed since hostilities intensified in March 2025. This surge in casualties has prompted renewed calls for increased funding and resources to support peacekeeping missions. As the UN grapples with these challenges, the true cost of peace remains a central theme, reminding the world that every step toward stability comes with a heavy price. The legacy of those who have fallen serves as a powerful testament to the value of their service and the ongoing need for global cooperation in peace efforts.