Guterres sat next to Lavrov at the UN Security Council and criticized Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which has caused massive suffering and destruction in the country, and fueled global economic disruptions due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Tensions between major powers are at an all-time high. "Conflict risks are also at an historic high, due to miscalculation or misadventure," Guterres said during a meeting of 15 members of the body on multilateralism.

Lavrov presided over the meeting as Russia is the rotating monthly presidency of the Council for April.

Lavrov stated that we are at a dangerous threshold, perhaps even more so than during the Cold War. "The situation has worsened due to the lack of faith in multilateralism.

"Let’s not sugarcoat the truth." Lavrov said that nobody allowed the Western minorities to speak for all humanity.

The United States, France, and Britain are among the members of the Security Council who have condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine.

US Linda Thomas-Greenfield was the United Nations Ambassador.

She said: "This illegal and unprovoked war is directly contrary to our most sacred principle, that wars of aggression and conquest are never acceptable."

Thomas-Greenfield has also accused Russia of violating international laws by illegally detaining Americans. He called for the release Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich as well as ex-Marine Paul Whelan. Whelan was accompanied by his sister Elizabeth in the Security Council Chamber on Monday.

Guterres urged that the United Nations continue to implement the deal that would allow Ukraine to export grain safely to the Black Sea. This agreement could expire as early as 18 May.

He said: "They demonstrate clearly that such co-operation is crucial to create greater security and prosper for all."

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