UN chief calls for independent probe into war crime claims in Russia visit

Moscow, Apr 26 (EFE).- Alleged human rights abuses and war crimes carried out in Ukraine must be independently investigated, the head of the United Nations Antonio Guterres said during a visit to Moscow on Tuesday.

“The United Nations has repeatedly called for ceasefires to protect civilians and to facilitate a political dialogue to reach a solution,” Guterres said during a press conference with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov ahead of his meeting with president Vladimir Putin.

“I am concerned about the repeated reports of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and possible war crimes, and they require independent investigation for effective accountability,” he added.

The UN chief advocated for a so-called humanitarian contact group bringing together Russia, Ukraine and the United Nations to implement and monitor humanitarian corridors and local ceasefires.

Lavrov told the joint press conference that Russia rejected foreign mediation in the current situation.

Ukraine has accused Russia of committing war crimes such as forced deportation of civilians, rape and summary execution, especially in areas of north and northeast Ukraine from where Russian troops have withdrawn to focus their offensive on the eastern Donbas region. EFE

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