UN chief Guterres urges ceasefires in Gaza, Ukraine
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Guterres' call for a ceasefire in Ukraine precedes the planned US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.
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Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, attends a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, May 14, 2025 (AP)
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, reiterated his calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine, as "Israel" intensifies its aggression on the Strip and ahead of the planned US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.
On Wednesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the critical need for unimpeded humanitarian access to the Palestinian territory during a meeting with the newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
"In relation to Gaza, I reiterate my call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, unimpeded humanitarian access and an immediate cessation of hostilities allowing for an irreversible path towards a two-state solution," Guterres stated.
During his meeting with Chancellor Merz, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres also made an urgent appeal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized that the ceasefire would "pave the way for a just peace... based on the UN Charter and international law, namely respecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine."
Putin proposes direct talks with Ukraine
Earlier, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, proposed that Russia and Ukraine engage in direct peace talks during their meeting in Istanbul set for May 15, while the Kremlin kept the identity of Russia's representative concealed.
Putin suggested holding the talks "without any preconditions," though Moscow has yet to confirm any participants, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating on Wednesday that the delegation's composition would be announced only after Putin's instructions.
Peskov also noted that the Russian delegation would be ready to meet the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul on May 15.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to participate in the Istanbul talks, however, he conditioned his attendance on Putin's own attendance.
A Ukrainian diplomatic source indicated that Kiev's next actions would hinge on Putin's willingness to attend the talks in Istanbul, stressing that the Ukrainian leadership would determine its course based on whether the Russian president decides to participate.
