CUACOS: UN Chief Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday peace negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine were “not possible at this moment,” but as China pushes to act as a mediator Foreign Minister Qin Gang is visiting Europe this week.
In an interview published by the Spanish newspaper El Pais, Guterres said he hoped it was possible “in the future” to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table. But “It is clear that the (two) parties are completely absorbed in this war” and “are convinced that they can win”.
On Tuesday, Guterres received the Carlos V European Award, given to individuals or organisations that have contributed to the enhancement of Europe’s cultural and historical values or to EU integration.
Beijing would maintain lines of communication with all parties to the war in Ukraine, including Germany, in seeking a ceasefire, Qin Gang said.
“As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and responsible major country, China will neither watch the fire from the other bank nor add fuel to the fire,” Qin said alongside German counterpart Annalena Baerbock during a visit to Berlin.
The United States announced a new $1.2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine to boost the country’s air defences and provide it with additional artillery ammunition.
The package underscores the continued US commitment to Ukraine “by committing critical near-term capabilities, such as air defence systems and munitions, while also building the capacity of Ukraine’s armed forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term,” the Defence Department said in a statement.
