The UN Secretary-General António Guterres traveled to Russia last week in connection with the BRICS countries' summit in Kazan.
Kristersson notes that it is part of the job to travel to complicated places and meet with leaders who violate what the UN Charter stands for.
But to travel to Russia on UN Day, meet with Putin, and embrace, in bookish terms, Lukashenko - I understand that it creates a significant disappointment at the UN and towards the UN Secretary-General. Not least among many Ukrainians, says Kristersson.
"Signal language is important"
Are you disappointed yourself?
One should consider what signals one sends when traveling to Russia on UN Day and meeting with Putin and Lukashenko. I believe it creates an impression that such engagement would be needed at least as much for Ukraine, says Kristersson.
He did not participate in the peace conference in Switzerland, and as far as I know, he has not been to Kyiv. I understand the disappointment.
Kristersson has understanding for Guterres having a tough job and that the UN operates in conflicts where the organization has limited ability to resolve them.
All the more important, I think, to be careful with signal language.
Unusual criticism
It is quite unusual for a Swedish Prime Minister to criticize the UN Secretary-General.
We almost always defend the UN's way of working. It was self-evident for us to defend the UN Secretary-General's mandate to, for example, be everywhere in the conflict in the Middle East, says Kristersson.
That's why I think it's so important that our Ukrainian friends must also perceive that there is solid engagement for them as well.
Has this damaged the Swedish government's trust in the UN?
The UN is an important institution, and one should be careful with the UN. But the UN should also be careful about its own reputation. It is incredibly important.
