Near-Miss Diplomatic Encounter Between Ukraine and Russia at the U.N. Security Council

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A highly anticipated diplomatic confrontation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov failed to materialize this Wednesday at the United Nations Security Council’s iconic horseshoe-shaped table. Zelenskyy vacated the premises prior to Lavrov’s entrance.

Although the absence of a direct confrontation was not entirely unforeseen, it nonetheless emphasized the U.N.’s function as a platform for conflicting nations to vent frustrations verbally rather than militarily. The episode also highlighted the organization’s role as a forum where disputing parties may essentially speak without engaging each other.

During his time at the table, Zelenskyy labeled Russia as “a terrorist state,” even as Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia was seated at a distant point of the table’s curve. Nebenzia, for his part, disengaged by glancing at his phone before putting it away.

The timing of Lavrov’s entrance coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s criticisms of Russia for allegedly violating essential elements of the U.N. Charter. Lavrov countered by reiterating Russia’s accusations that Kyiv has marginalized Russian speakers in eastern regions, contravening the U.N. Charter—a claim the United States and other Western nations have largely dismissed. Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya was observed checking his phone during portions of Lavrov’s discourse. Blinken, meanwhile, was seen taking notes by hand.

The atmosphere was decidedly tense, if devoid of outright confrontations. Prior to Zelenskyy’s speech, Nebenzia protested the sequencing that allowed the Ukrainian President to address the Council before its members, including Russia. In response, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who chaired the meeting, sharply retorted, “You stop the war, and President Zelenskyy will not take the floor.”

The tensions were not confined to this meeting alone. Zelenskyy had previously shared a room, albeit without direct interaction, with a Russian envoy during his speech at the U.N. General Assembly’s annual gathering earlier this week. Russian Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky later casually mentioned that he was preoccupied with his phone and did not pay attention to Zelenskyy’s remarks.

It’s noteworthy that delegates have a history of walking out during speeches from rival nations at U.N. venues, and it’s commonplace for individuals to come and go during Security Council sessions for various reasons, including scheduling. Although Ukraine is not a council member, it was granted an opportunity to speak. Ahead of the meeting, Zelenskyy questioned why Russia continues to hold a seat on a council designed to uphold international peace and security.

The U.N. Security Council has hosted numerous contentious discussions regarding the ongoing conflict. Last year, another awkward moment arose over the seating arrangement when both Lavrov and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba attended a council meeting. Initially, a sign indicating Ukraine’s seat was relocated after Kuleba expressed objections to its proximity to Russia’s. On this occasion, however, the seats for the two nations were separated from the outset.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Diplomatic Confrontation at U.N. Security Council

More about Diplomatic Confrontation at U.N. Security Council

• U.N. Security Council Official Website
• Overview of Ukraine-Russia Relations
• U.S. Department of State Official Statements on Ukraine and Russia
• Biography of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
• Profile of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
• U.N. Charter: Key Provisions and Principles
• Historical Incidents at U.N. Security Council Meetings
• Recent U.N. General Assembly Annual Gatherings