Guterres Condemns Russia, Ukraine, Demands Ceasefire
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- Antonio Guterres condemned both Russia and Ukraine in a statement calling for urgent de-escalation and a permanent ceasefire.
- The UN Secretary-General's appeal comes as cross-border attacks between the two countries continue to intensify.
- Kyiv is targeting Wildberries warehouses inside Russian territory with drone strikes, per the report.
- Guterres demanded a permanent ceasefire, the first time the UN chief has publicly criticized both sides simultaneously over this phase of the war.
Why it matters: Guterres' decision to condemn both combatants — rather than only Russia — draws direct UN criticism of Ukraine's drone strikes on Wildberries warehouses inside Russia, adding diplomatic friction for Kyiv's Western backers alongside ongoing scrutiny of Russian attacks. The balanced framing marks a notable shift from the UN's usual one-sided language.
