UNITED NATIONS - Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Russian efforts to conduct its presidential election in occupied areas of Ukraine, a U.N spokesperson said on Friday.

Guterres recalls that the attempted illegal annexation of regions of Ukraine has no validity under international law, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

"The United Nations remains steadfastly committed to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, as per the relevant General Assembly resolutions," Dujarric said. REUTERS