UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has informed Russian President Vladimir Putin that the invasion of Ukraine constitutes a violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.
This statement came during their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, following Guterres’s call for a “just peace” in Ukraine.
According to a readout from the UN chief’s spokesperson, Guterres reiterated his stance on the invasion’s illegality. This meeting faced criticism from Kyiv, which has been vocal about its concerns regarding Russia’s actions.
Guterres also emphasized the importance of “freedom of navigation in the Black Sea,” highlighting its significance not only for Ukraine and Russia but also for global food and energy security. He expressed strong support for ongoing negotiations and acknowledged Turkey’s mediation efforts in this context.
The Black Sea serves as a vital trade route for Ukraine, one of the world’s largest grain exporters, but has experienced significant disruptions since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022. A previous UN-brokered agreement had allowed Ukraine to continue its agricultural exports, but Moscow’s withdrawal from the deal in 2023 complicated matters. Nonetheless, Ukraine has managed to establish a maritime corridor to facilitate trade.
In addition to discussing the Ukraine conflict, Guterres and Putin addressed the situation in the Middle East, particularly the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and the importance of preventing further regional escalation. This was their first meeting since April 2022.
