Zelensky dismisses UN chief after Russia trip with Putin

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky declined a visit from UN Secretary General António Guterres following his trip to Russia. A source from the presidential office expressed discontent with Guterres meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Zelensky regards as an instigator of the ongoing war. Guterres sought to travel to Kyiv after attending the Brics summit in Kazan, but the invitation was not accepted due to the timing of his visit to Russia, which sparked widespread criticism in Ukraine. Zelensky's administration voiced that Guterres' actions compromised the credibility of the UN during a sensitive phase of the conflict, particularly given the recent statements from the Ukrainian foreign ministry against Guterres' choice to engage with Putin. The ministry asserted that attending the Brics summit was a detrimental move that undermined the pursuit of peace and the UN's reputation. Guterres had also previously rejected an invitation to a Global Peace Summit held in Switzerland, which aimed to unite nations against the war in Ukraine. The international community remains divided, with Guterres emphasizing the need for a just peace, aligning with UN principles, even as he faces criticism from Ukrainian officials and public sentiment. The situation illustrates the delicate balance the UN must navigate amid ongoing hostilities, reflecting the complexities of diplomacy amid war.