United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hopes to see a resumption of talks between Ukraine and Russia that can lead to a ceasefire after being encouraged by recent diplomatic efforts, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.
In a press briefing, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the secretary-general has noted the promising recent developments after senior U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday before traveling to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on Sunday.
"The Secretary General is encouraged by recent diplomatic efforts, including the visits by senior U.S. envoys to Moscow and to Kiev. The Secretary General hopes that the latest initiatives lead to a resumption of talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, paving the way for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, leading to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in line with international law, including the charter of the United Nations and relevant resolutions of the United Nations," said Dujarric.
At the same time, the spokesperson said Guterres remains deeply concerned by the continuing attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia. He calls for an immediate end to these actions and urges both sides to ensure conditions which are conducive to the continuation of diplomatic efforts.
UN data shows that in the second quarter of this year, over 120,000 people in Ukraine and Russia were directly affected by attacks, with civilian casualties rising by approximately 90 percent compared with the first quarter.
Earlier this this year, delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States previously held two rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi, followed by another in Geneva, in an effort to find a path toward ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The trilateral negotiations subsequently stalled and have since remained suspended.
UN chief hopes for resumption of Ukraine-Russia talk: spokesman
