UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned against forcing Ukraine to cede territories to Russia. “A just peace means respecting the UN Charter, international law and Ukraine’s territorial integrity” he said in an interview with the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” (Friday edition). Guterres emphasized the importance of territorial integrity in today’s world, stating that its defense is fundamental to peace and security in the world. If the principle of territorial integrity is not upheld, it could lead to an increase in conflicts.
Ukraine is facing pressure from US President Donald Trump to accept the loss of the Crimean Peninsula, which has been occupied by Russia since 2014 and possibly other territories in the east of the country. However, Guterres remains optimistic about the ongoing peace efforts. “I see that things are moving. In recent days, the position of the American mediator has changed from a clearer connection to the Russian positions to a more open stance towards the Ukrainian positions” he said. Guterres expressed hope that a ceasefire without preconditions can be achieved, which would lay the foundation for a just peace.