Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received today, Wednesday, in Kiev, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and they discussed developments in the ongoing war in Ukraine and its global repercussions.
Zelensky and Guterres agreed on the need to extend the grain export agreement and ensure security at the Zaporizhia nuclear plant, which is controlled by Russian forces.
During a joint press conference, the Secretary-General of the United Nations said that the export of fertilizers and grains from Ukraine and Russia is necessary to reduce prices and end famine.
The Ukrainian president also said that the Black Sea Grain Initiative is necessary for the world, adding that he had spoken with Guterres about respecting freedom and the right to self-determination.
The grain export agreement - sponsored by Turkey and the United Nations - has been in effect since last July, and allows millions of tons of Ukrainian grain to be exported across the Black Sea, and its current term expires on March 18.
During the press conference, Guterres said that Russia's "invasion" is a violation of international law and of Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations also condemned the contents of a video clip circulated on the Internet, which apparently shows the execution of a Ukrainian soldier by Russian forces.