The United Nations’ Secretary General Antonio Guterres has been meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, where he’s been pushing for a diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine.
The talks were also expected to focus on humanitarian corridors for the shattered port city of Mariupol.
The two men are holding a news conference – we’ll bring you the latest here.
Lavrov told the news conference he looks forward to working together with the UN and Red Cross to facilitate a humanitarian response in Ukraine.
He says during their talks he and Guterres talked about the future of the UN in general and potential partnerships.
Speaking with reporters, Guterres said he came to Moscow as a “messenger of peace” to “save lives and reduce suffering”.
Guterres adds frank discussions took place and it is clear there are two different positions of what is happening in Ukraine.
Guterres spoke on the potential establishment of humanitarian corridors in Ukraine to allow civilians to escape.
He said he has proposed the establishment of a contact group with officials from the UN, Russia and Ukraine to look at the opportunities for creating safe corridors.
This would involve the cessation of hostilities and guarantee that the escape routes are effective.
Antonio Guterres acknowledged there is a “crisis” in Mariupol, adding the UN is “ready to mobilise” its logistical resources in the city.
He said this would enable the safe evacuation of civilians who want to leave the city “in any direction they chose” and the delivery of the humanitarian aid required.
“As soon as peace is established, the better for the sake of Ukraine, Russia and the world,” the UN chief says.
While also speaking, Lavrov said it is too early to talk about mediation in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
But he said that Moscow is committed to a diplomatic solution through talks with the government in Kyiv.
Asked about reports of alleged war crimes by Moscow, Antonio Guterres said he is concerned.
The UN chief said the claims would require “independent investigation”.
He went on to say he accepted Russia has “grievances” but adds the UN is there to help address such issues.