The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.  The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for the invitation to attend the “Victory Day” celebrations and commemorate the sacrifice and contribution of millions of people, 70 years ago.

The Secretary-General and President Putin discussed in depth the way forward on Ukraine, with both agreeing that full and good faith implementation by all sides of the "Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements" presented the best opportunity to bring forth a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Secretary-General and President Putin exchanged views on UN engagement toward this end. 

They also discussed the political process on Syria, Russia's contribution to peacekeeping and climate change.