The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres told Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday, 24 October 2024, that his invasion of neighboring Ukraine violated both international law and the UN Charter, according to a readout of their meeting.

On the fringes of the BRICS conference in Kazan, Russia, the UN secretary-general met with Putin after Guterres’ address in which he demanded a “just peace” in Ukraine.

According to a readout from the UN chief’s spokesperson following their meeting, which Kyiv had criticized, he “reiterated his position that the Russian invasion of Ukraine violated the United Nations Charter and international law.”

Along with reaffirming his commitment to “establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea,” Guterres said that this is crucial for global “food and energy security” as well as for Russia and Ukraine.

According to the statement, he “deeply appreciates” Turkey’s mediation efforts and “fully supports the continuation of negotiations in this regard.” Ukraine, one of the biggest producers of grain worldwide, depends heavily on the Black Sea for trade, but since the Russian invasion started in February 2022, it has seen significant interruptions.

Agricultural exports from Ukraine over the Black Sea were previously made possible under a UN-brokered agreement, but Moscow pulled out of it in 2023. Nevertheless, trade is still possible since Kyiv has established a maritime corridor.

During their most recent meeting in April 2022, Guterres and Putin also talked about the Middle East crisis, “especially the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the importance of avoiding further regional escalation,” the report said.

AFP

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