UN chief Antonio Guterres told Russian President Vladimir Putin that his invasion of neighbouring Ukraine violates the UN charter and international law, according to the report of their meeting.
The UN secretary-general met Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, after a speech in which Guterres called for a "just peace" in Ukraine, AFP reported.
He "reaffirmed his position that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is in violation of the UN Charter and international law," the UN chief's spokesman said after their meeting, which was criticised by Kiev.
Guterres also stressed his commitment to "establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea," saying that step was vital for both Ukraine and Russia and for global "food and energy security."
"He fully supports the continuation of negotiations in this regard," the statement said, citing "deep appreciation" for Turkey's mediation efforts.
The Black Sea is an important trade route for Ukraine, one of the world's biggest grain exporters, but it has been swamped since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
A UN-brokered agreement allowed Ukraine to export agricultural products along the Black Sea, but Moscow pulled out of the deal in 2023.
However, Kiev carved out a maritime corridor allowing trade to continue.
Guterres and Putin, who last met in April 2022, also discussed the Middle East conflict, "in particular the absolute necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and the need to avoid further regional escalation," the report said. | BGNES
