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UN Secretary-General António Guterres was in Moscow on Tuesday, on his first visit since the start of the invasion of Ukraine, 62 days ago. Before meeting with President Vladimir Putin, the United Nations leader declared that he will work for a peaceful solution to the conflict.
“We are extremely interested in finding ways to create the conditions for effective dialogue, to create the conditions for a ceasefire as soon as possible,” he said.
The fact that Guterres passed through Moscow before going to Kiev – which should take place on Thursday (28) – was criticized by President Volodymyr Zelensky. But the Ukrainian president has received important authorities in support of his country during the conflict, including:
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Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austinrespectively US Secretaries of State and Defense, the first members of the US government to go to Ukraine in the war;
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Boris JohnsonPrime Minister of the United Kingdom, who in a “surprise visit” on the 9th announced more military aid to the country;
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Charles MichelPresident of the European Council, who on the 20th stated that the European Union will do everything possible to ensure that Ukraine wins the war;
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leaders of Poland, Czech Republic and Sloveniathe first foreign rulers to visit Kiev, on March 15, when the capital was still being bombed.
For security reasons, the authorities’ travels are shrouded in secrecy. Despite the fact that the visit of the US secretaries was announced the day before by Zelensky, the White House only expressed itself when the meeting had already been held.
To reach Kiev, Blinken and Austin landed in Poland, as Ukrainian airspace is closed.
In Johnson’s case, his departure was only officially announced when the British prime minister was in Kiev. He disclosed, upon his return, that he had traveled by train.
Do not get lost
What happens when a diplomatic representative declared “persona non grata”? We explain in three points:
- withdrawal: The declaration of “persona non grata” means that a certain person is not welcome in the country and that, if he/she does not leave, he/she will lose the prerogatives and immunities of his/her position. In practice, it is a request for withdrawal, since, strictly speaking, expulsions apply to foreigners who do not have diplomatic immunity and represent a threat, explains Lima;
- justification: The measure can be taken at any time, without the State having to justify its decision. However, says Lima, countries often point out their reasons for expressing discontent with a situation, as in the Ukraine war;
- Term: The Vienna Convention does not set a deadline for departure, but it usually takes place as soon as possible after notification so that there is no risk of punishment or other measures for the representatives, now without diplomatic immunity.
What happened this Tuesday (26)
picture of the day
What to see to stay informed
The testimony of Ukrainian children about the Russian invasion:
