Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly declined a visit from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after the UN leader’s recent participation in a high-profile summit in Russia.

According to a Ukrainian presidency source, Guterres had expressed interest in visiting Kyiv following his attendance at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. However, Zelensky chose not to confirm the visit, a decision stemming from what Kyiv perceives as the UN chief’s endorsement of Russia by attending the diplomatic gathering.

During the summit, Guterres addressed leaders from 20 nations, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, and called for a “just peace” in Ukraine. While he reiterated the UN’s stance against the Russian invasion, asserting it was a violation of both the UN Charter and international law, his participation in a major diplomatic event hosted by Russia has raised tensions with Ukraine.

Kyiv’s criticism also extends to Guterres’ decision to attend the Russia-hosted summit after declining to participate in a peace summit organized by Ukraine in Switzerland in June. The Ukrainian foreign ministry condemned Guterres' choice, suggesting it weakened the UN's standing and did little to support peace efforts.

The Kazan summit, the largest international event held in Russia since the 2022 invasion, also included Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ukraine’s stance underscores a growing frustration with diplomatic engagements perceived as lenient toward Russia amidst the ongoing conflict.