Zelensky Rejects Guterres Visit to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied UN Secretary-General António Guterres a visit to Ukraine following Guterres's attendance at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky's office stated that hosting Guterres would be inappropriate after he engaged with the leader of the country that invaded Ukraine. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry criticized Guterres's choice to attend the summit, asserting it tarnished the UN's reputation and did not contribute to peace efforts. Guterres had called for a 'just peace' in Ukraine at the summit, reiterating that Russia's actions violate international law. The diplomatic rift underscores tensions between Ukraine and UN leadership amid ongoing conflict. Overall, Zelensky's rejection reflects deep dissatisfaction with the UN's handling of the crisis and its interactions with Russia.