The United Kingdom will convene a special UN Security Council meeting on 18 November to mark 1,000 days since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It will focus on three key conflicts in the world: in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan, according to Ukrinform.
While, the UN General Assembly swiftly condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, passing a resolution demanding a complete withdrawal, Russia still remains a permanent member of the organization with veto power and the UN chief has recently visited Russia and shook hands with Putin. Russia has attempted to frame its agression as protective measures for Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine. However, this narrative has been met with skepticism and outright rejection from Western nations.
The next UN Security Council meeting was announced by Britain’s Permanent Representative to the UN Barbara Woodward, Ukrinform reports.
“Just look at the level of chaos and conflicts around the world that can be linked to Russia. Russia doesn’t deny the fact that it makes deals with Pyongyang to use North Korean troops as cannon fodder for its war,” Woodward said.
According to the diplomat, Moscow is procuring drones and ammunition from Iran while making arrangements with North Korea regarding troop deployment, growing military cooperation with these countries.
The British representative emphasized Moscow’s involvement in global conflicts, stating that “wherever death and chaos reign, President Putin’s hand is rarely far away.” She indicated that Britain intends to use its Security Council presidency to address Russian disinformation.
Despite Russia’s attempt to block the Council’s monthly schedule over the inclusion of Ukraine-related discussions, member states can still request meetings outside the official agenda.
The Security Council presidency rotates monthly among its 15 members, with Slovenia, Switzerland, the UK, and the United States holding the position from September through December respectively.
In October, Ukrainian NGOs urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to address UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which took place during the BRICS summit in October 2024. They expressed concern that Guterres’ engagement with Putin undermines the ICC’s efforts to hold Russia accountable for war crimes in Ukraine.
This visit also undermined the narrative of Russia’s diplomatic isolation and can be perceived as legitimizing Russia’s actions.
In July, Ukraine’s UN representative Sergiy Kyslytsya accused Russia of killing children in Ukraine and attempting to abduct and brainwash those who survive after the recent deadly attack on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv.
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