Overview

• Antonio Guterres will meet Vladimir Putin in Kazan, Russia, marking their first meeting since April 2022, to discuss the Ukraine conflict and Middle East crisis.
• The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry criticized Guterres for attending the BRICS summit instead of the Ukraine Peace Summit, suggesting it damages the UN's reputation.
• The meeting comes amid Russia's attempts to counter Western isolation by hosting a major diplomatic event with leaders from China, India, and other nations.
• Recent Russian strikes in Ukraine's Zaporijjia region resulted in three deaths and 16 injuries, emphasizing ongoing hostilities.
• Reports suggest North Korea may send troops to support Russia in Ukraine, a move deemed dangerous by the United States.