Guterres Calls for Peace at BRICS Summit

At the BRICS summit in Kazan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a 'just peace' in Ukraine, emphasizing adherence to the UN Charter and international law, while also advocating for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon. Guterres, speaking directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighted the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the ongoing conflict, marking his first visit to Russia since April 2022. Despite his call for peace, Putin insisted that Russia cannot be defeated in Ukraine, dismissing Western hopes for a strategic defeat. Guterres faced criticism from Ukraine for attending the summit in Russia, as they felt it undermined the UN's credibility amid the ongoing war. The summit's backdrop included concerns about North Korean soldiers being trained in Russia, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions at play. Guterres's efforts to mediate are ongoing, despite Moscow's military focus and recent budget increases for defense.