UN Secretary-General António Guterres has concerned at increasing reports of ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine voiced. A spokesman for Guterre told journalists in New York on Monday that he was particularly concerned about reports of civilian casualties and the shelling of civilian infrastructure. Guterres canceled a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo planned for Tuesday “due to the deteriorating situation in Ukraine”.
The UN chief and his team are still in constant contact with numerous participants, said his spokesman. “We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of all violence, maximum restraint, and reiterate our call on all parties to cease any actions that may further escalate tensions. All issues must be addressed with diplomacy.“
The United Nations continued to support Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty within its internationally recognized territorial borders, the UN spokesman said. There are currently around 1,500 UN staff in Ukraine. The vast majority come from the country, a small part is stationed in the east of the country. There are currently no plans to withdraw employees. However, employees who are not necessarily needed on site may be able to work from another location at times. At the same time, however, new employees would also be added.