“The UN is ready to fully mobilize its human and logistical resources to help save lives in Mariupol,” he told a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

In this regard, he proposed to work in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross, in addition to the Ukrainian and Russian forces, to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians who want to leave, both from inside the Azovstal plant and from the city, in the direction of their choice.

Guterres assured that the UN will also deliver the necessary humanitarian aid to this port city in the Donbass region.

He also urged all parties to ensure, without fail, the evacuation of the civilian population and the delivery of aid through the humanitarian corridors in Ukraine.

“Indeed, there is a need for humanitarian corridors that are really safe and effective. Corridors that are respected by all to evacuate civilians and deliver the necessary assistance,” he stressed.

Guterres reiterated his proposal to “create a contact group on humanitarian issues bringing together the UN, Russia and Ukraine” to facilitate safe steps for the evacuation of civilians and the delivery of aid.

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