Actions within the UN so far- 26 February 2022 (17:02 GMT)
Since the launch of the Russian invasion of Ukraine there has been heated debates within the United Nations. The fiercest ones between the Russian on one side and the Ukrainian and US representatives on the other.
There have been calls by diplomats to strip away Russia from its right to a permanent seat within the Security Council on the grounds that it received its position without proper authorisation after the end of the Soviet Union in 1991. Furthermore, there have been challenges against Russia’s presidency as well within the council, especially from the Ukranian ambassador, since they were chairing the council while votes and actions within it were concerning Russia.
Most recently on Friday, 25th of February, Russia as a permanent member state, has vetoed a draft UNSC resolution prepared by the US, which would have deplored Russia for its aggression against Ukraine, would have called for Moscow to pull out its military from Ukraine and would have called for the reversal of the recognition by Russia of the separatist areas of eastern Ukraine as independent. Besides the veto, there were 11 votes in favour and 3 abstensions. Interestingly, China abstained from voting, alongside India and the UAE, despite its recent “no limits” partnership with Russia, where the two nations agreed to back each other’s stances on Taiwan and the enlargement of NATO. Although China’s position is interesting, it is not surprising, since the country would not want to defy principles such as sovereignty and territorial integrity it claims to hold dear and it is not in its favour to endorse a war in Europe, due to which it rather took a both-sides approach during the UNSC meeting. The final vote was delayed for 2 hours as the US and others tried to win over China’s abstention through last minute negotiations, which as it seems was successful. For Western countries, China’s vote seemed as a win as they were able to show that Russia is internationally isolated.
Throughout the UNSC meeting, Russia mainly reiterated that it is standing up for people in eastern Ukraine and that the West ignores Ukrainian abuses in the region. It also delivered some jabs towards the US for its past military actions such as Iraq as an example of hypocrisy.
The failed resolution of the UNSC will be brought forward to the UN General Assembly next week thanks to the mechanism created by the UNGA Resolution 377, which was designed for situations when the UNSC is deadlocked as a permanent member is vetoing a resolution. If the resolution passes through the UNGA, it would rather have a symbolic value, as it will not be legally binding.