UN: Sec Gen-Great Power Tensions & Risk Of Conflict At Historic High

Speaking at a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York City, US, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says that tensions between major powers and the risk of conflict through misadventure/miscalculation is at 'an historic high'. Russia currently holds the UNSC rotating presidency, meaning the meeting is chaired by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Guterres states that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is 'causing massive suffering and devastation'.

• Guterres: Ukraine war 'adding to global economic dislocation triggered by COVID-19 pandemic.'
• Guterres calls for the continued implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the Russia grain and fertiliser pact, which sees Ukrainian and Russian grains and fertilisers exported unmolested as part of a UN/Turkey-brokered deal.
• Russia has indicated that it would not allow the extension of the Initiative beyond 18 May "because a list of demands to facilitate its own grain and fertilizer exports has not been met" reports Reuters.