UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confronted Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, stating that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a clear breach of the United Nations Charter and international law.
This meeting comes after Guterres’ impassioned speech calling for a “just peace” in Ukraine.
Guterres emphasized the critical importance of establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, not only for Ukraine and Russia but also for global food and energy security. He expressed deep appreciation for Turkey’s mediation efforts and fully supports the continuation of negotiations.
The Black Sea is a vital trade route for Ukraine, one of the world’s largest grain exporters. However, since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the region has faced significant disruptions. Although Moscow withdrew from a UN-brokered deal in 2023, Kyiv has managed to create a maritime corridor to maintain trade.
Guterres and Putin also discussed the pressing issues in the Middle East, including the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and the importance of preventing further regional escalation.
