UN Secretary-General António Guterres is facing mounting criticism for attending a BRICS summit in Russia hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine described this decision as damaging to the UN’s reputation and counterproductive to peace efforts while Lithuania’s foreign minister called Guterres’ involvement “unacceptable.”
According to the Kremlin, Guterres is expected to meet with Putin to discuss the conflict in Ukraine. The UN did not immediately confirm the details of the meeting.
The BRICS summit has brought together representatives from China, Iran, and other nations, with discussions likely to focus on geopolitical and economic issues. Guterres has previously condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine, but his decision to attend this summit, particularly amid calls for a ceasefire, has raised concerns about the diplomatic signal it sends.
The BRICS group, traditionally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded this year to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. While Guterres may be seeking opportunities for peace talks, critics argue that his attendance could be seen as legitimizing Putin’s policies at a time when Russia faces international condemnation.
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