The UN secretary-general met with Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, after a speech in which Guterres called for a “just peace” in Ukraine, AFP reports.
He “reiterated his position that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law,” a readout from the UN chief’s spokesperson said after their meeting, which had been criticized by Kyiv.
Guterres also emphasized his commitment to “establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea,” saying the move was vital for both Ukraine and Russia, as well as global “food and energy security.”
“He fully supports the continuation of negotiations in this regard,” the statement said, citing “deep appreciation” to Turkey’s mediating efforts
The Black Sea is a significant trade route for Ukraine, one of the largest exporters of grain in the world, but it has been mired since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022.
A UN-brokered agreement allowed Ukraine to export agricultural exports on the Black Sea, but Moscow withdrew from the deal in 2023.
Kyiv has nonetheless carved out a maritime corridor allowing trade to continue.
Guterres and Putin, who last met in April 2022, also discussed the conflict in the Middle East, “in particular the absolute need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the need to avoid a further regional escalation,” the readout said.
In his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in two years, UN chief António Guterres told Putin on Thursday that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine violates international law. Guterres, who has been involved in peace efforts between the two sides since the early weeks of the conflict, also vouched for “freedom of navigation” in the Black Sea.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 24 that his invasion of Ukraine violated the UN charter and international law, according to a UN statement following their meeting at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.
The statement said Guterres reiterated his position on the Russian invasion during their meeting, which was their first since April 2022.
The UN chief, whose visit to Russia as the country’s forces continue their indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, was photographed shaking hands with Putin ahead of their meeting.
In an earlier speech to the summit’s delegates delivered in front of Putin, Guterres called for a “just peace” in Ukraine.
