Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has reportedly denied UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres a visit to Ukraine following his participation in the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia.
The decision comes amid strong objections from Kiev, which criticised Guterres’ choice to attend a gathering that included Russian President Vladimir Putin, AFP reported, citing sources within the Ukrainian presidency.
The summit, which brought together leaders from BRICS nations representing nearly half the global population, was described as “of great importance” by Guterres’ spokesperson.
The spokesperson said that it is “standard practice” for the secretary-general to attend meetings involving major international organisations like the G7 and G20.
However, a high-ranking source in Ukraine expressed frustration, telling AFP that “after Kazan, [Guterres] wanted to come to Ukraine, but [Zelensky] did not confirm his visit.” The source added, “Guterres won’t be here, specifically because of the humiliation of sanity and international law in Kazan.”
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry previously denounced Guterres’ visit to Russia, arguing that it undermined the UN’s stance on the Ukraine conflict and damaged the organisation’s reputation.
“This is a wrong choice that does not advance the cause of peace,” the ministry stated on X. Guterres had used his platform at the summit to advocate for a “just peace” in Ukraine and called for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.
While Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced readiness for a “rational compromise” regarding Ukraine, he highlighted what he described as “Kiev’s irrational behaviour which is hard to predict.”
little dictator has a tantrum….