UN Chief Guterres condemns Russia's Ukraine war at BRICS summit
The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, strongly condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, underscoring that Moscow’s actions contravene the provisions of the UN Charter and international law.
The remarks were made during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Kazan, as reported by DW.
Guterres emphasised the need for a “just peace” in Ukraine, aligning with the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the political independence of states. In his address, he stated that any peace agreement must be consistent with the UN Charter and General Assembly resolutions.
Additionally, Guterres highlighted the importance of restoring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, urging the resumption of negotiations on the “grain corridor” agreement, which Russia suspended in the summer of 2023.
During their meeting, the two leaders also discussed the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with particular focus on the need to halt hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon.
International Reactions to Guterres' Visit: Criticism from Kyiv and the EU
Guterres’ visit to Kazan sparked critical reactions from Ukraine and the European Union. Kyiv condemned the Secretary-General’s decision to attend an event hosted by Vladimir Putin, whom they described as a “war criminal,” instead of accepting Ukraine’s invitation to the Global Peace Summit held in Switzerland. Ukrainian representatives argued that this decision damages the UN’s reputation.
Peter Stano, spokesperson for the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, added that participants in the BRICS summit should call for an immediate end to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
