UNITED NATIONS, United States, Oct 25, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - UN chief Antonio
Guterres told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that his invasion
of neighboring Ukraine violated the United Nations charter and international
law, according to a readout of their meeting.

The UN secretary-general met with Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit
in Kazan, Russia, after a speech in which Guterres called for a "just peace"
in Ukraine.

He "reiterated his position that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was in
violation of the United Nations Charter and international law," a readout
from the UN chief's spokesperson said after their meeting, which had been
criticized by Kyiv.

Guterres also emphasized his commitment to "establishing freedom of
navigation in the Black Sea," saying the move was vital for both Ukraine and
Russia, as well as global "food and energy security."

"He fully supports the continuation of negotiations in this regard," the
statement said, citing "deep appreciation" to Turkey's mediating efforts.

The Black Sea is a significant trade route for Ukraine, one of the largest
exporters of grain in the world, but it has been mired since the start of the
Russian invasion in February 2022.

A UN-brokered agreement allowed Ukraine to export agricultural exports on the
Black Sea, but Moscow withdrew from the deal in 2023.

Kyiv has nonetheless carved out a maritime corridor allowing trade to
continue.

Guterres and Putin, who last met in April 2022, also discussed the conflict
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
readout said.