Chance for peace in Ukraine ‘minimal’, UN chief says after call with Vladimir Putin
- Secretary General Antonio Guterres says even a ceasefire is ‘not in sight’ after speaking with the Russian leader
- The two discussed ‘obstacles’ related to Russian fertiliser exports under a UN-brokered grain deal, as well as POWs and Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
The prospects for peace in Ukraine are “minimal” at present, the United Nations chief lamented on Wednesday after a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he and Putin discussed efforts to overcome “obstacles” that remain related to Russia’s food and fertiliser exports, but warned it would be “naive” to believe there has been sufficient progress towards a rapid end to the war in Ukraine.
“I have the feeling we are still far away from peace. I would be lying if I would say it could happen soon,” Guterres told a press conference.
“I have no illusion; at the present moment the chances of a peace deal are minimal,” he added, noting that even a ceasefire is “not in sight”.
Despite his bleak assessment about the war, which has raged since Russia invaded its neighbour in late February, Guterres stressed he was maintaining contact with both sides and expressed hope that “one day it will be possible to go to a higher level of discussion”.
In the meantime talks continue on Russian exports.