Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his disapproval of U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres' decision to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on United Nations Day. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of upholding the goals and principles of the U.N. Charter and criticized officials who prioritize personal interests over international law.
The meeting between Guterres and Putin took place on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, where authoritarian leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa gathered to strengthen economic partnerships and counter Western influence. This alliance includes nations involved in conflicts that violate the U.N. Charter, such as Russia's war in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy's response to the meeting highlighted the ongoing war in Ukraine and the need to prioritize international law. The U.N. has faced criticism for engaging with Putin, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
The Crimean Human Rights Group condemned Guterres' decision, stating that meeting with individuals subject to ICC warrants undermines the U.N.'s principles. The group called for transparency regarding the information exchanged during the meeting.
Despite Guterres reaffirming the U.N.'s stance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and advocating for a just peace, his interactions with Putin and Belarusian President Lukashenko drew further scrutiny. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis expressed concern over Guterres' actions, signaling discord among NATO allies.
