As UN Security Council takes up Ukraine, a potentially dramatic meeting may be at hand

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As the United Nations Security Council convenes to address the situation in Ukraine, an anticipated and potentially dramatic meeting is on the horizon. All eyes are focused on Ukraine’s president and Russia’s top diplomat as they prepare to engage on this critical issue. The central question that looms is whether they will clash, engage in dialogue, or purposefully avoid each other during this gathering.

The focus of this crucial meeting revolves around the enforcement of the United Nations Charter within the context of Ukraine. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has left no room for ambiguity in emphasizing that Russia’s invasion of its smaller neighbor in February 2022 was a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. These principles underscore the importance of all 193 UN member nations respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The agenda for this gathering includes a briefing by the UN Secretary-General to the 15-member council, followed by the anticipated in-person appearance of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Notably, this marks President Zelenskyy’s first in-person address to the UN’s most influential body. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is slated as the 11th speaker, with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov scheduled to follow.

This meeting occurs in the backdrop of an ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive, which has been progressing at a slower pace than initially hoped, with the end of the war still not in sight. President Zelenskyy is actively seeking additional military support from Western nations and is preparing for meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden and members of the U.S. Congress in Washington. Meanwhile, Russia appears to be preparing for an extended conflict.

The UN Security Council, tasked with maintaining international peace and security, has convened over 50 meetings related to Ukraine, and they typically involve contentious exchanges but result in no concrete actions due to Russia’s certain veto power over any critical resolutions.

Since the onset of the conflict, President Zelenskyy, formerly an actor, has transformed into a global figure, tirelessly advocating for his nation’s cause, often appearing in military-style attire. In contrast, Sergey Lavrov, a former long-serving Russian ambassador to the United Nations, staunchly defends Russia’s policies and is known for his uncompromising stance.

While it’s uncertain whether Lavrov and Zelenskyy will physically cross paths during the meeting, the mere possibility adds a new layer of tension to a council that has frequently discussed the Ukrainian conflict in a contentious manner.

Wednesday’s session also provides Russia with an opportunity to respond within the United Nations to President Zelenskyy’s high-profile speech delivered on the previous day at the General Assembly, where he accused Russia of employing food, energy, and even children as weapons in the war and cautioned world leaders about the dangers of weaponizing hatred.

In the role of chair is Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the council and who selected the meeting’s topic.

According to council procedures, all 15 council members have the opportunity to speak, including the five permanent members with veto power: the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, and France, along with 10 elected members who serve two-year terms. Numerous other diplomats and officials have also registered to speak during this session, and seats can be occupied by accredited individuals even if they change several times during the meeting.

Ukraine has faced pressure from some council members, including China, to engage in negotiations aimed at ending the protracted conflict, which has tragically claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides. President Zelenskyy is expected to present his comprehensive 10-point peace plan, which includes the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes and the creation of a European-Atlantic security framework with safeguards for Ukraine’s independence.

Tensions were palpable during last year’s council meeting, where both Sergey Lavrov and his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, were in attendance during the 2022 General Assembly session. While the two foreign ministers did not engage in direct dialogue, there was tension over the seating arrangement, exemplified by the relocation of Ukraine’s seat marker, a move seemingly prompted by objections to its proximity to Russia’s designated spot. Furthermore, a diplomatic incident ensued when Kuleba criticized a Russian diplomat for using a derogatory term in characterizing Moscow’s perception of the West’s attitude toward President Zelenskyy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UN Security Council Ukraine Meeting

More about UN Security Council Ukraine Meeting

• UN Security Council: Official website of the United Nations Security Council for updates and documents related to their meetings.
• UN Charter: The United Nations Charter, the foundational document outlining the principles and purposes of the United Nations.
• President Zelenskyy’s Peace Plan: Details on President Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan for Ukraine.
• 2022 General Assembly: Information about the United Nations General Assembly and its annual meetings of world leaders.
• Sergey Lavrov: A brief biography of Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
• Antonio Guterres: Profile of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.