According to a transcript of their discussion, UN chief Antonio Guterres informed Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that his invasion of neighbouring Ukraine was against international law and the UN charter.
Following Guterres’ demand for a “just peace” in Ukraine, the UN secretary-general met with Putin on the fringes of the BRICS conference in Kazan, Russia.
A statement from the UN chief’s spokesperson following their meeting, which Kyiv had criticised, stated that he “reiterated his position that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.”
In addition, Guterres underlined his dedication to “establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea,” claiming that the action was essential for global “food and energy security” as well as for Russia and Ukraine.
Citing “deep appreciation” for Turkey’s mediating efforts, the statement stated, “He fully supports the continuation of negotiations in this regard.”
Ukraine, one of the world’s biggest grain exporters, depends heavily on the Black Sea for trade, but it has been enmeshed since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
Ukraine was able to export agricultural products on the Black Sea through a UN-brokered accord, but Moscow pulled out of the arrangement in 2023.
Nevertheless, Kyiv has established a sea route that permits trade to go on.
During their most recent meeting in April 2022, Guterres and Putin also talked about the Middle East crisis, specifically “the absolute need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the need to avoid a further regional escalation,” according to the summary.
