Antonio Guterres expressed “deep solidarity” With all those who fell victim to the full-scale Russian invasion last February.
breach of charter
“The position of the United Nations, which I have consistently expressed, is absolutely clear: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a violation of UN Charter and international law”, declared the UN chief.
They reiterated, once again, that the sovereignty, independence and integrity of Ukraine, established upon independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, must be upheld within its recognized international borders.
He added that until a just peace is achieved, the United Nations will continue to work hard to mitigate the effects of the war “which has caused enormous suffering for the Ukrainian people – including deep global impact,
The Secretary-General noted that the United Nations remained on the ground throughout the invasion and provided aid to millions of people.
“I want to express my Deepest solidarity with all the victims of the war, For those who have lost their lives and for their loved ones. For those who have seen their hopes dashed or who have had to flee in search of survival.
,they all owe effective accountabilitysaid the UN chief.
He detailed some of the key moments where the United Nations had acted to save lives and even help avert a potential nuclear disaster, including the explosion at the Azovstal steel plant in the destroyed city of Mariupol last year. Evacuation of civilians was also included.
International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEAUsed to be “Fully mobilized to endeavor and protect the safety and security of nuclear power plants in Ukraine, including Zaporizhzhya”, said the UN chief.
23 million tonnes of grain
Black Sea Grain InitiativeProposed by the Secretary-General and put into operation last July following an agreement between Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations, it has already facilitated the export of 23 million tonnes of grain through Ukrainian ports.
The deal is due to expire in less than two weeks extended last novemberWhen success was achieved in increasing the flow of Russian fertilizer to European ports.
This deal, managed by a joint coordination center in Istanbul, has contributed to reducing the global cost of food and providedSignificant relief to people who are paying a high price for this war especially in developing countries”, said Mr. Guterres.
He reiterated that Ukrainian, as well as Russian, exports of food and fertilizers are necessary for global food security and prices. he said it was Serious To continue the initiative even after the end of this month.
On the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, Mr Guterres said it was important to facilitate Mediation to seek complete demilitarization of the region, making sure the plant goes back to normal operation: “The United Nations stands ready to offer his good offices,
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (left) has visited Ukraine three times in less than a year.
support for solution
At the same time, he said, “We will Continue to support solutions to humanitarian problems on all fronts wherever possible – such as a meaningful extension of the current prisoner of war exchange until it is completed.
Recent images of a Ukrainian soldier apparently killed cause a “shocking” and “Sad reminder that the laws of war must be strictly respected”, said the UN chief.
At the meeting with the Ukrainian premier, Mr Guterres was accompanied by Secretary-General Rebecca Grinspan UNCTADMartin Griffiths, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Denise Brown, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine.