CUACOS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed that peace negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine are currently “not possible.”
Antonio Guterres said this in an interview published by Spanish daily El Pais on Tuesday. His remarks came as both Russian and Ukrainian leaders emphasized their determination for victory during events commemorating the end of World War II.
Guterres highlighted the entrenched positions of the parties involved in the conflict, stating that they are wholly absorbed in the war and firmly believe in their ability to achieve victory. He expressed hope for future possibilities to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at Moscow’s Red Square Victory Day parade on Tuesday, described the world as being at a “turning point” and asserted that a “war” had been unleashed against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on the other hand, pledged to vanquish Russian forces, drawing a parallel to the defeat of Nazism.
China’s Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, is currently visiting Europe with the aim of mediating in the Ukraine conflict. China seeks to play a constructive role in facilitating peace talks between the parties involved.
UN chief awarded Carlos V European Award
Simultaneously, Secretary-General Guterres was awarded the Carlos V European Award on Tuesday, an honor bestowed upon individuals or organizations that have contributed to Europe’s cultural and historical values or EU integration.
During the award ceremony, Guterres emphasized the importance of universal values, principles, and ideas that unite humanity.
He highlighted the significant threats faced by these values, particularly due to events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which caused immense suffering and destruction in the country, along with the global economic disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Guterres stressed the urgent need for peace and the reaffirmation of these values.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues with no immediate prospect of peace talks, the international community faces the challenge of finding a resolution and mitigating the human suffering and economic consequences of the ongoing crisis.
