On Thursday, Ukraine accused Russia of firing at least two missiles at Kyiv soon after United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres concluded his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Bulgarian Prime Minister (PM) Kiril Petkov was also present in Kyiv during the attack.
According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, missiles landed around the central Shevchenko district, with one of them hitting a residential complex. At least 10 people were injured in the blasts.
I don't know to what extent Putin is misinformed. But look, he knew that the UN secretary-general is going to Kyiv. I am sure they discussed it. Two missiles hit the city when Antonio Guterres was there. Putin knew. He simply didn't care pic.twitter.com/gRzKo7jkUM
— Hanna Liubakova (@HannaLiubakova) April 29, 2022
The UN chief said that he was “shocked” by the attacks on Kyiv. “Not because I’m here but because Kyiv is a sacred city for Ukrainians and Russians alike,” remarked Guterres. Zelensky, meanwhile, noted the attack has underscored that Ukrainians cannot get complacent, saying, “We must not drop our vigilance. We must not think that the war is over.”
On Thursday, Guterres visited the Kyiv suburbs of Borodyanka, Bucha, and Irpin to observe the aftermath of Russia’s two-month-long military assault on Ukraine. After viewing the sites of destruction at Borodyanka, he remarked, “The war [Russia-Ukraine war] is an absurdity in the 21st century. The war is evil.”
In Bucha, where Ukrainian authorities say Russia has committed mass killings and genocide, Guterres put his weight behind calls for a “thorough investigation and accountability,” noting that the International Criminal Court has already visited the site.
Lastly, in Irpin, the UN chief said the “horrific scenario” shows how “civilians always pay the highest price” for a “war in which they had not contributed at all.”
You might interpret this as very deliberate 🇷🇺 attack against the @antonioguterres 🇺🇳 peace efforts. Before this he was given a distinctly cold shoulder in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/5VV8CHfERx
— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) April 29, 2022
Additionally, Guterres held a meeting with Zelensky to discuss the terms and conditions for the evacuation of civilians from the besieged port city of Mariupol. The Ukrainian President affirmed that he is ready to conduct talks over the establishment of humanitarian corridors in Mariupol immediately, noting that the involvement of Guterres and the UN could help. Zelensky also took the time to raise concerns over Russia’s ongoing “barbaric bombing” of the Azovstal plant in Mariupol, adding that it is in contradiction to Moscow’s claims about a cessation of hostilities.
Regarding the situation in Mariupol, Guterres addressed the Ukrainian people and the president, saying, “We do not give up. We will continue to call for a complete ceasefire.” He stressed the need to set up evacuation corridors, as there are still thousands of residents stuck in the city. “They need a rescue route to leave this hell,” the UN chief stated.
Ukraine should decide whether to strike 🇷🇺 military facilities, @SecBlinken said. Russia has attacked 🇺🇦 and killing civilians. Ukraine will defend itself in any way, including strikes on the warehouses and bases of the killers 🇷🇺. The world recognizes this right.
— Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) April 28, 2022
Guterres’ visit comes against the backdrop of Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak saying that Ukraine should consider directly attacking Russia’s military facilities. In a tweet, Podolyak cited the United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony Blinken while suggesting that targeting Moscow’s military facilities, such as warehouses and bases, would be a crucial defensive move.
Earlier this week, Guterres visited Moscow to discuss this same issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After their meeting, Putin said that he would allow the UN and the Red Cross to establish humanitarian corridors to aid the evacuation of civilians trapped in Mariupol.