A Near-Confrontation Between Ukraine and Russia at the UN That Ultimately Did Not Occur

The anticipated face-off in the diplomatic sphere was notably absent, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov evaded a direct encounter at the U.N. Security Council’s iconic horseshoe-shaped table on Wednesday. Zelenskyy vacated the premises before Lavrov made his entrance.

Though the lack of confrontation was not entirely unforeseen, the occurrence highlighted the United Nations as a platform where countries in conflict can articulate their grievances verbally rather than militarily. The situation further emphasized the UN’s status as a setting where political adversaries may find themselves talking at cross-purposes.

President Zelenskyy took the opportunity to label Russia as a “terrorist state,” while Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia was seated across from him at the opposite end of the table. Nebenzia occupied himself with his phone as Zelenskyy began his address, later putting the device away.

Zelenskyy’s exit coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s accusation that Russia had violated critical components of the U.N. Charter. Lavrov, for his part, reasserted Russia’s stance that Ukraine has mistreated Russian-speaking residents in its eastern regions, a move that he argued violated the U.N. Charter. During Lavrov’s speech, Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya was partially focused on his phone. Blinken was observed jotting down handwritten notes.

While the atmosphere was distinctly tense, no direct confrontations took place. Before Zelenskyy took the podium, Nebenzia voiced objections to the speaking sequence that positioned the Ukrainian President ahead of the Council’s members, including Russia. In response, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who chaired the meeting, retorted, “You stop the war, and President Zelenskyy will not take the floor.”

In a preceding event at the U.N. General Assembly’s annual meeting, Zelenskyy shared the room but not eye contact with a Russian diplomat. Russian Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky later commented that he had been preoccupied with his phone and “didn’t notice” Zelenskyy’s speech.

Protocol related to speaking and seating arrangements has historically generated tension among delegates. Walkouts during speeches by rival nations are not uncommon. This year, the seating arrangement had been predetermined to keep Ukraine and Russia apart, unlike last year when a placard had to be moved following an objection by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Prior to the meeting, Zelenskyy had questioned why Russia still occupies a seat on a council designed to preserve international peace and security. Diplomatic flare-ups have been relatively frequent in numerous meetings concerning the ongoing conflict, and the intricate details, such as the seating chart, have occasionally become points of contention.

Contributions to this report were made by Big Big News journalists Mary Altaffer at the United Nations and Emma Burrows in London.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ukraine-Russia UN Diplomatic Tensions

More about Ukraine-Russia UN Diplomatic Tensions

• U.N. Security Council Official Website
• Biography of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
• Profile of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
• U.S. Department of State: Antony Blinken
• U.N. Charter
• International Relations and Diplomacy
• History of Ukraine-Russia Relations
• Annual U.N. General Assembly Meetings