The Secretary-General met today with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk in Kyiv.

They reviewed the current situation in Ukraine and the broader region. The Secretary-General commended the Prime Minister for his recent speech where he called for an inclusive political process in Ukraine. The Secretary-General also reiterated his message that only a diplomatic solution, based on the ideals of the United Nations Charter, would solve the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine.

The Secretary-General also briefed the Prime Minister on his recent meeting with Russian leaders, including President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov. In his discussion with Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, the Secretary-General said that a direct dialogue between Kiev and Moscow is critical to reducing the current tensions.