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UN Secretary-General Guterres criticizes countries violating international law, including US and Russia
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned violations of international law by multiple countries, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, US military operations in Venezuela and drug interdictions, amid a crisis in global cooperation at the start of his final term year.[1][2]
Why It Matters
Guterres' remarks highlight escalating geopolitical tensions, erosion of the UN Charter, and risks to global order from selective adherence to international law by major powers.
Timeline
6 Events
Times Now reports on Guterres' remarks
January 16, 2026
Times Now covers Guterres lashing out at law violators, condemning breaches of international law and concentration of power and wealth.[2]
Guterres addresses UN General Assembly
January 2026
At the start of his final year as UN Secretary-General, Guterres tells the UN General Assembly of a world with geopolitical divides, brazen violations of international law, and aid cuts, warning against leaders running roughshod over rules.[1]
Trump administration withholds UN dues
2025
US under Trump administration fails to pay mandatory UN budget dues on time, criticized by Guterres.[1]
US attacks boats in Caribbean and Pacific
2025
US carries out deadly attacks on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific claimed to carry drugs, cited by Guterres as breaching international law.[1]
US conducts military operation in Venezuela
2025
United States conducts military operation in Venezuela to capture President Nicolás Maduro, criticized by Guterres as a violation of international law.[1]
Russia invades Ukraine
February 2022
Russia invades Ukraine, violating the UN Charter's requirements for sovereignty and territorial integrity, repeatedly criticized by Guterres.[1]