WASHINGTON: Fresh revelations from leaked classified documents suggest that the US government has been closely monitoring UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.
Several documents describe private communications involving Antonio Guterres and his deputy, and the files contain candid observations from the UN chief about the war in Ukraine and several African leaders.
One leaked document focuses on the Ukraine Black Sea grain deal, brokered by Turkey and the UN in July following fears of a global food crisis.
The document suggests that Antonio Guterres was so keen to preserve the grain deal that he was willing to accommodate Russia’s interests.
The leak comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Russia and as Moscow seeks to re-establish itself as a global power.
UN officials bristled at the recommendation that the top diplomat of the world was being soft on Moscow, with one senior official saying the UN was “driven by the need to reduce the impact of the war on the poorest of the world.”
The official added that this meant doing what they could to drive down the price of food and ensure that fertiliser was accessible to the countries that needed it most.
Russia has frequently complained that its own grain and fertiliser exports are being adversely affected by global sanctions and has threatened to suspend cooperation with BSGI unless its concerns are addressed.
Embarrassing leak for US government
The leak is embarrassing for the US government, as it is well known that they are among several nations which routinely spy on the UN.
The BBC has verified screenshots of leaked documents which were first shared on Discord, a social media platform popular among gamers.
Discord has stated that it is cooperating with law enforcement in its investigation of the leak. John Kirby, a spokesperson for US national security, expressed concern over the leak and stated that the US government is working to determine the national security implications of the leak documents, as well as identify the source of the leak.
The US is also actively communicating with its allies to address any questions they may have regarding the leak and to demonstrate the gravity of the situation.
Although the authenticity of some documents remains unverified, Kirby stated that they appear to originate from various intelligence sources within the US government.
