Hans Kluge, Regional Director of the World Well being Group (WHO) for Europe, met Russian International Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow and shook his hand on 16 June 2025, prompting condemnation from Ukrainian officers.
Supply: Mykhailo Radutskyi, Ukrainian MP and Chairman of the Committee for Nationwide Well being
Particulars: Radutskyi denounced Kluge’s go to, calling it a step in the direction of Russia’s reintegration into the worldwide neighborhood. He famous that Russian media had framed the assembly as WHO’s "recognition" of Russia as a accomplice.
Quote from Radutskyi: "This isn’t only a diplomatic sign – it undermines the worldwide stance on isolating the aggressor state. That is particularly alarming amid WHO’s monetary difficulties as a result of some international locations’ refusal to fund the organisation. Such a gathering might counsel a willingness to compromise with those that flout humanitarian regulation to safe donor funds."
Extra particulars: Radutskyi highlighted Russia’s destruction or injury of over 2,350 Ukrainian medical amenities, together with 769 hospitals, since its full-scale invasion started in February 2022. He argued that WHO visits to Russia are "unacceptable morally and politically" and injury the organisation’s fame.
"As an alternative of condemning and documenting crimes, negotiations are underway with a terrorist state," Radutskyi acknowledged.
Ukraine urged WHO to publicly assess the affect of Russian aggression on its well being system, halt visits to Russia, improve cooperation with Ukrainian authorities and help tasks for rebuilding medical amenities, cellular medication, and psychological support.
Kluge, posting on X (Twitter), stated he mentioned with Lavrov "the pressing want to make sure full respect for worldwide humanitarian ideas – together with the duty of all events to chorus from assaults on healthcare amenities." In addition they addressed well being initiatives in Central Asia and cooperation inside BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Commonwealth of Unbiased States (CIS) and the Eurasian Financial Union (EAEU).
Background: WHO has confronted extreme funding cuts, notably from the US, resulting in having to halve its administration employees and shut down a few of its programmes. Kluge’s go to coincides with considerations over WHO’s monetary stability and diplomatic priorities.
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