UN stands ready to help lives in Mariupol : Lavrov warned NATO

Antonio Guterres has held talks with Sergei Lavrov. Pic: Maxim Shipenkov/AP

The United Nations is ready to "fully mobilise its human and logistical resources" to help save lives in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol, its general secretary has said.

Speaking at a news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Antonio Guterres described the port as a "crisis within a crisis".

Ukraine "urgently" needs humanitarian corridors that are "truly safe" and "respected by both sides", Mr Guterres added.

But Mr Lavrov said talks with Ukraine on such potential developments were unlikely to go ahead.

Asked about the prospect of discussions, he warned of a "theatrical gesture" from Ukraine and said they "probably wanted another heartrending scene".

He also claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been ignoring Russia's latest proposals.

He warned Nato against supplying military aid to Ukraine, saying there was a risk of the conflict escalating into World War Three.

Inspite of this Germany’s government has authorised the supply of about 50 anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine, in a major policy shift.

Berlin's decision comes as the US and its allies meet at an airbase in Germany to pledge more weapons for Ukraine.