UN chief tells Putin 'invasion of Ukraine violates international law'

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the first time in over two years on Thursday.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, after a speech in which Guterres called for a "just peace" in Ukraine.

“The Secretary-General 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. The Secretary-General 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 UN press service said in a readout.

The Secretary-General and Putin 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.

The Secretary-General and the Russian President also discussed the questions of development and the international financial system.