So UNSG Antonio Guterres is going to #Moscow and he will see Putin.
This is a positive step, as Putin was not taking the SG's calls after he condemned the #RussianInvasion of #Ukraine.
But the trip raises some tricky issues. [1/6] reuters.com/world/un-chief…
This is a positive step, as Putin was not taking the SG's calls after he condemned the #RussianInvasion of #Ukraine.
But the trip raises some tricky issues. [1/6] reuters.com/world/un-chief…
First, the SG should be very careful to avoid any "grip and grin" moments with Putin and Lavrov.
Lavrov tricked the @ICRC's experienced chief into an apparently jolly handshake in March, and will doubtless want to do the same with Guterres. [2/6] euractiv.com/section/global…
Lavrov tricked the @ICRC's experienced chief into an apparently jolly handshake in March, and will doubtless want to do the same with Guterres. [2/6] euractiv.com/section/global…
More substantively, the SG will need to have some clear "asks" and ideas for Russia. Options might include:
* Improving humanitarian access;
* Relief for civilians in #Mariupol;
* Suggesting possible frameworks for peace talks (but without making predictions on substance). [3/6]
* Improving humanitarian access;
* Relief for civilians in #Mariupol;
* Suggesting possible frameworks for peace talks (but without making predictions on substance). [3/6]
After visiting #Moscow, the UNSG will obviously have to go to #Kyiv. This is not risk-free either.
#Zelenskyy has already expressed disdain for the UN, and could repeat that to the SG in public. [4/6] voanews.com/a/ukraine-s-ze…
#Zelenskyy has already expressed disdain for the UN, and could repeat that to the SG in public. [4/6] voanews.com/a/ukraine-s-ze…
One bold idea would be for the UNSG to request a visit to #Mariupol itself.
The situation for civilians trapped in the city remains dire. Could a USG visit help get the suffering out? [5/6] reuters.com/world/europe/m…
The situation for civilians trapped in the city remains dire. Could a USG visit help get the suffering out? [5/6] reuters.com/world/europe/m…
As it happens I will be talking in this @StimsonCenter webinar on the #UnitedNations and #Ukraine on Tuesday, the same day Guterres is in #Moscow. Join in! [6/6] stimson.org/event/still-fi…
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