Speaking in Moscow on Tuesday, he outlined proposals that would establish conditions that would allow the safe evacuation of civilians and the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid, in both Donbas and Mariupol.
The head of the United Nations was in the Russian capital for talks with the country’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov. He will also be received by President Vladimir Putin.
‘Frank discussion’
Mr. Guterres told reporters that he held “A very frank discussion” with Mr. Lavrov “and obviously there are two different positions on what is happening in Ukraine.”
Russia said it was conducting a “special military operation” in Ukraine, while for the UN the February 24 invasion was a violation of the country’s territorial integrity and goes against it. uncharted.
“But I deeply believe that the sooner we end this war, the better – for the people of Ukraine, for the people of the Russian Federation, and beyond.” he say.
Emphasizing his role as a “messenger of peace”, the Secretary-General reiterated that the UN has repeatedly called for a ceasefire to protect civilians, as well as political dialogue towards a solution, which until has not happened yet.
Referring to the “violent battle” being fought across the Donbas in eastern Ukraine, he noted that many civilians were being killed and hundreds of thousands of people were trapped in the conflict, adding that the Ongoing reporting of violations as well as possible war crimes, will require independent investigation for effective accountability.
UN Russia / Yuri Kochin
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Russia.
Humanitarian corridor
“We urgently need humanitarian corridors that are truly safe and efficient and respected by all to evacuate civilians and provide much-needed assistance.”
The Secretary-General has proposed the establishment of a Humanitarian Liaison Group — including Russia, Ukraine and the United Nations — “to look for opportunities to open safe corridors, end local hostilities and ensure that they actually work. ”
Addressing the “crisis within a crisis” in Mariupol, where thousands of people are in dire need of life-saving assistance, and for many, forced to evacuate, he stressed the UN’s readiness to mobilize its full human and logistical resources to help save lives.
Mr. Guterres has proposed that the UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Ukrainian and Russian forces, work together to be able to safely evacuate civilians who want to leave Mariupol – both in the last debt zone. of the Azovstal steel mill, and in the city itself, and in whatever direction they choose – and deliver humanitarian aid.
Global Shockwave
Regarding the broader effects of war, the Secretary-General spoke of some “Shockwave” is being felt around the globesuch as the “dramatic increase” in food and energy costs, which are affecting millions of the world’s most vulnerable people in particular.
“This comes from the shock of continuing COVID-19 pandemic and unequal access to resources for recovery, especially punishing developing countries around the world. So, the sooner peace is established, the better – for the sake of Ukraine, Russia and the world.” he say.
“And it is very important, even in these difficult times, to uphold the values of multilateralism,” he added.
The Secretary-General emphasized the need for a “multipolar” world, in compliance with the United Nations Charter and international law, recognizing the complete equality of nations, in the hope that humanity would unite. once again to tackle common challenges like climate change” and where the only fight we should have will be those of those who put the planet in danger.
The Secretary-General will be in Ukraine on Thursday, where he will have a working meeting with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and he will be received by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
