Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the country due to his trip to Russia for the BRICS summit in Kazan. Guterres’ decision to attend the BRICS summit instead of participating in Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula summit drew criticism from Kyiv. While meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit, Guterres reiterated his stance that the Russian invasion of Ukraine violated the United Nations Charter and international law. Zelenskyy indirectly criticized Guterres’ decision, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law and the rights of nations.
During his address at the UN Security Council, Zelenskyy called for Russia to be “forced” into peace based on the UN Charter. He condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine as “insane” and expressed concerns about the Kremlin’s reported plans to target nuclear plants in the country. Zelenskyy highlighted the atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine, such as killing children, and stressed the need for action to end the war. He urged the BRICS countries to support peace efforts in the region despite the ongoing conflict.
Guterres’ visit to the BRICS summit sparked controversy as it overshadowed his absence from Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula summit. While reiterating his position on Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Guterres faced backlash for choosing to attend the BRICS summit in Russia. Zelenskyy’s criticism of Guterres’ decision highlighted the importance of adhering to international law and upholding the rights of nations. The Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude to those supporting Ukraine during the conflict and called for international cooperation to bring about peace in the region.
The tensions between Ukraine and Russia were further exacerbated by Guterres’ participation in the BRICS summit and his meeting with Putin. Despite reiterating his condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Guterres’ visit to Russia drew criticism from Kyiv. Zelenskyy’s comments on the war in Ukraine emphasized the need for action to end the conflict and prevent further violence. The Ukrainian president called on the international community, including the BRICS countries, to support peace efforts and uphold the principles of the UN Charter.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia’s actions in the region have raised concerns about international law and the rights of nations. Zelenskyy’s rejection of Guterres’ visit due to his attendance at the BRICS summit highlighted the complexities of diplomatic relations amid the conflict. The Ukrainian president’s calls for peace and his condemnation of Russia’s actions underscored the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict. Guterres’ visit to Russia and his statements regarding the situation in Ukraine have sparked debate and criticism, further highlighting the challenges of promoting peace and upholding international norms in the face of conflict.
