Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Gennady Gatilov said the war in Ukraine will last a long time
By Thanasis Gavou
THE Moscow sees no possibility of a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine and expects a protracted conflict, according to Russia’s permanent representative at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva Gennady Gatilov.
Speaking to Financial Times just before the war was six months old, the Russian diplomat said the United Nations should play a bigger role in efforts to end the conflict and it was “unfortunate” that it was not doing so.
He also blamed the US and other countries NATO that they are pressuring Ukraine to stay away from negotiations by trying to isolate Russia.
Mr. Gatilov made it clear that “there is no practical platform for a meeting” between Presidents Putin and Zelensky to resolve the crisis.
“No, I don’t see any possibility for diplomatic contacts. And the longer the conflict continues, the more difficult it will be to have a diplomatic solution,” said the Russian official.
He added that Russia has no contact with Western delegations at the United Nations. “In terms of protocol, we don’t see each other. Personally we have no contact, unfortunately… we just don’t talk to each other,” he added.
The British newspaper comments that his statements are a blow to those who hoped that the agreement to export grain from Ukraine could act as a basis for a wider peace agreement.
Referring further to United Nations OrganizationMr. Gatilov said that he has been “politicized” as a result of which his prestige has been eroded and he cannot function as a mediator.
“The world has changed and the United Nations will never be the same,” assessed Gennady Gatilov.
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