Ex-UN Chief Ban Ki-moon Visits Ukraine

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Ukraine on Tuesday and met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to pledge solidarity with the besieged country.

Ban went to Bucha, a city northwest of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, where 458 civilians, 12 of them children, were found dead after the Russian withdrawal in late March, AP reported.

After visiting the Church of St. Andrew the Apostle, Ban said, "It's hard to express my feelings. It's a horrendous atrocity. It's a crime against humanity and [those responsible] should be held accountable." 

Ban visited Ukraine as part of activities by "The Elders," an international peace initiative started by former South African President Nelson Mandela in 2007 to promote world peace and human rights. Ban was joined by former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos. 

After their meeting, Zelensky wrote on Telegram, "This indicates the support for our state. And therefore helps us bring the victory closer. Thank you for this visit and sincere desire to help our country."