The world is worse in many ways than it was five years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and geopolitical tensions, UN Secretary General António Guterres told The Associated Press.

According to him, the UN Security Council, which has the right to maintain international peace and security, including through the imposition of sanctions and orders for military action, is divided, especially its five permanent members with veto power. Russia and China are often at odds with the US, UK and France on key issues.

He noted that of course we have been in contact with top Russian officials, although the UN is not directly involved in the Ukrainian crisis.