UN chief speaks with Russian, Ukrainian foreign ministers

WASHINGTON

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke separately Monday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba amid growing fears of a conflict in Ukraine.

Speaking at a press conference at UN headquarters, the UN chief said he is "deeply worried" by heightened tensions and fears of a conflict in Eastern Europe.

"The price in human suffering, destruction and damage to European and global security is too high to contemplate," said Guterres.

"We simply cannot accept even the possibility of such a disastrous confrontation,” he said.

Kuleba confirmed his talk with Guterres on Twitter, saying they spoke about ways to de-escalate "the security crisis created by Russia."

"Diplomacy is the only responsible way. Confident that UN can and should take an active part in diplomatic efforts by Ukraine and partners to reduce tensions," said the top Ukrainian diplomat.

Guterres stressed that there is no alternative to diplomacy and concluded his speech, saying: "Do not fail the cause of peace.”

US President Joe Biden's National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Friday warned of an imminent attack from Russia against Ukraine and urged Americans to leave in 48 hours.

Earlier on Monday, Lavrov said the possibilities for a dialogue with the West on Russia's security guarantee proposal are not exhausted but some reports claimed Russia could attack Ukraine on Wednesday.

Ukraine has been plagued by a conflict in its eastern regions since March 2014 following Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea.

Moscow recently amassed more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine, prompting fears that the Kremlin could be planning another military offensive against its ex-Soviet neighbor.

Russia has denied that it is preparing to invade and accused Western countries of undermining its security by expanding NATO towards its borders.