Putin and Guterres mull Ukraine, Middle East at BRICS summit

On the margins of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Report informs.

A readout by the UN spokesperson’s office said that during the talks Guterres reiterated his position that “the Russian invasion of Ukraine was in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.”

He further underlined United Nations support for peace, in line with the remarks he delivered at the BRICS summit.

Guterres expressed his belief that establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea is of paramount importance for Ukraine, the Russian Federation and for the world’s food and energy security: “He fully supports the continuation of negotiations in this regard and expresses his deep appreciation for the work being done by Türkiye.”

The secretary-general and the Russian leader also discussed the situation 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.