Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized U.N. Secretary General António Guterres for meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on United Nations Day, stating that some officials prioritize relationships over the U.N. Charter’s principles. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, an intergovernmental body created to counter Western influence. Nations like Russia and China involved in the BRICS alliance have conflicts that violate the U.N. Charter, including Russia’s war in Ukraine. The U.N. has not responded to inquiries regarding the meeting’s justification, and Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for those supporting Ukraine.
The decision of Guterres to meet with Putin sparked outrage in Ukraine, with organizations such as the Crimean Human Rights Group stating that the meeting undermines the U.N. and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Guterres’ meeting with Putin has faced criticism as the Russian president is wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes related to the deportation of children from Ukraine. This meeting contradicts U.N. guidelines that suggest avoiding meetings with individuals subject to ICC warrants. The group called on the ICC to request Guterres to share information obtained during the meeting, as per the Relationship Agreement between the U.N. and ICC.
Although Guterres reiterated that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a violation of the U.N. Charter and international law, his warm reception of Putin and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko raised concerns among some leaders. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis suggested that the meeting signified the U.N.’s downfall, indicating that if Guterres decides to resign, Lithuania would not discourage him from doing so. The State Department has not yet released a statement in reaction to the meeting between Guterres and Putin. Zelenskyy’s response indicated that he may no longer intend to meet with Guterres following the controversial meeting.
The U.N. has been criticized by Ukrainian leaders and organizations for its decision to meet with Putin amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting took place at the BRICS summit, where authoritarian leaders from countries like Russia and China gathered to counter Western influence. Guterres’ warm embrace with Putin and Lukashenko, who support Russia, further fueled concerns among NATO allies. Guterres’ statements during the meeting emphasized the need for a just peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law and U.N. resolutions. However, the meeting’s optics undermined these statements and faced widespread condemnation.
The controversy surrounding Guterres’ meeting with Putin underscores the challenges faced by the U.N. in balancing diplomatic engagements with accountability for war crimes and violations of international law. The U.N.’s response to the backlash from Ukraine and other allies will be crucial in determining its credibility and effectiveness in addressing global conflicts. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the U.N. will navigate the repercussions of the meeting and reaffirm its commitment to promoting peace and upholding the U.N. Charter’s principles.
