KAZAN, (TDI): Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the BRICS summit in Kazan, confirmed the presidential aide, Yury Ushakov.
The summit, taking place from October 22 to 24, includes leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and others, and is viewed by Moscow as a chance to showcase the failure of Western efforts to isolate Russia over its military actions in Ukraine.
Although the meeting between Putin and Guterres is scheduled for October 24, there is no indication that either Kyiv or Moscow is prepared for broader peace talks.
Guterres has consistently criticized Russia’s actions in Ukraine, warning that the ongoing military operation sets a “dangerous precedent” and has called for a “just peace” that upholds international law and Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Also Read:Russia Hosts BRICS Summit to Challenge Western Powers
During their previous meeting in April 2022, shortly after the invasion, Guterres discussed humanitarian assistance and civilian evacuations.
Putin has insisted that Ukraine must relinquish more territory in the south and east as a precondition for any cease-fire, a demand firmly rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Zelenskiy recently stated at the UN Security Council that international pressure is necessary to compel Moscow towards peace.
Also Read: BRICS to lead global economy soon: Putin
In addition to the meeting with Guterres, Ushakov confirmed that Putin plans to engage in bilateral talks with several key leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian, and Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas.
These discussions highlight Russia’s strategy to strengthen ties with influential nations outside the Western bloc during the BRICS summit.
