You're reading: UN chief calls for dialogue, calm over Ukraine

 UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on all sides in the Ukraine crisis to "exercise maximum restraint" and engage in dialogue to de-escalate the situation in the country. Ban's appeal came as Ukraine accused Moscow of "aggression" after Kalashnikov-wielding gunmen seized two security buildings in its restive eastern rust belt amid spreading protests demanding the region join Kremlin rule.

 Ban is “deeply concerned” about the deteriorating situation and
“growing potential for violent clashes,” read a UN statement posted on April 13 .

The secretary general “appeals to all sides to work towards calming
the situation, adhere to the rule of law and exercise maximum
restraint,” the statement added.

He also “calls again for urgent and constructive dialogue to de-escalate the situation and address all differences.”