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UN Secretary-General Says Ukraine Peace Talks Now Impossible

FILE
May 9, 2023

Guterres made postulation in an interview published by Spanish daily El Pais on Tuesday.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has revealed that peace negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine were "not possible at this moment."

 

Guterres made postulation in an interview published by Spanish daily El Pais on Tuesday.

 

The UN Chief’s statement came as the leaders of Russia and Ukraine called for victory during events commemorating the end of World War II.

 

"It is clear that the (two) parties are completely absorbed in this war" and "are convinced that they can win", the UN chief was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

 

Guterres said he hoped it was possible "in the future" to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table.

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday at Moscow's Red Square Victory Day parade that the world was at a "turning point" and claimed a "war" had been unleashed against Russia.

 

The day before, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that Russian forces would be vanquished "just as Nazism was defeated".

 

On Tuesday, Guterres received the Carlos V European Award, given to individuals or organisations that have contributed to the enhancement of Europe's cultural and historical values or to EU integration.

"The Russian invasion of Ukraine... cause the country and its population suffering and massive destruction and add to the global economic disruption provoked by the Covid-19 pandemic,” France24 quoted Guterres as saying.

 

"That's why we have to raise our voice and reaffirm our values. And above all, we need peace," added the 74-year-old former prime minister of Portugal.

 

However, the diplomat added that – despite the circumstances – the UN is nevertheless doing all it can to get Kiev and Moscow to negotiate.

He cited the grain deal – whose future is currently hanging in balance as Russia is refusing to renew it past May 18 – as the “most important initiative” so far.

 

According to Guterres, high-ranking representatives are working to arrange a meeting of the parties involved in Istanbul to extend the deal. The official acknowledged that Moscow’s objections are justified, adding that while the export of food and fertilizers from the country is not under sanctions, it is effectively being blocked by “indirect obstacles that remain.”

The EU and the US were quick to disregard a twelve-point peace plan proposed by Beijing on the anniversary of the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed some of the elements of the document, while Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky agreed with some of its points but has maintained the position of not negotiating with Putin’s government.