Zelensky declines UN chief visit to Ukraine after his BRICS summit appearance

According to reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said no to a visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres after he took part in the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia. Guterres’ presence at the summit, held by Russia’s leader, got a sour reaction by Kyiv officials.

“Guterres planned to visit Ukraine after Kazan, but the president did not confirm his visit,” the source explained. “This decision reflects a response to the disregard for common sense and international law displayed in Kazan.”

During his discussions with Putin, Guterres reiterated that “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine constituted a violation of the UN Charter and international law.”

The reaction of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry was even more pointed.

“While Guterres declined Ukraine’s invitation to the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, he accepted an invitation to Kazan from Putin, a known war criminal,” the Ministry stated. “This choice undermines the UN’s credibility.”