Russia accuses UN chief of abusing powers, ignoring key incidents

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has sharply criticised United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, accusing him of repeatedly overstepping the bounds of his mandate and failing to uphold impartiality in the execution of his duties.

Speaking to reporters, Lavrov stated that Guterres “regularly and blatantly abuses his powers,” and expressed frustration over what he described as the Secretary General’s refusal “to call things by their proper names” or to assist Russia in obtaining basic information related to key incidents, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Lavrov cited two specific grievances: Guterres’ alleged unwillingness to use his authority to provide Russia with a list of individuals reportedly found dead on the streets of Bucha in April 2022, and the absence of a UN-led investigation into the 2014 tragedy in Odessa, during which dozens of people died amid violent clashes and a fire at the city’s Trade Unions House.

“These examples reflect the Secretary General’s broader unwillingness to fulfil his responsibilities in a balanced and transparent manner,” Lavrov claimed.

In March, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov voiced deep concern over remarks made by United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, interpreting them as a disregard for the historical role of the Red Army in the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Lavrov underscored that his objection was not rooted in Guterres’ personal attributes, but rather in the nature of his official position and the implications of his statements.

Previously, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also rebuked the UN Secretary General, accusing him of violating the UN Charter due to his comments regarding the situation in Sumy, Ukraine. Zakharova argued that Guterres’ statements undermined the principles of neutrality and impartiality that are foundational to the office of the Secretary General.

By Vafa Guliyeva