Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky rejects the UN chief after his trip to Russia

During the Brics summit in Kazan, Guterres issued a statement saying: “We need peace in Ukraine. A just peace, in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and the resolutions of the General Assembly”.

Guterres’ office justified its participation in the summit by referring to the role of BRICS “in boosting global cooperation”.

Founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, Brics was later joined by South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.

A number of analysts say some Brics heavyweights such as Russia and China have tried to challenge the G7 group of the world’s seven largest economies.

The current members of the G7 are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US.