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

by Joshua Brown
5 comments
Ukraine-Russia UN Diplomatic Tensions

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.


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

What was the primary event the article covers?

The article focuses on a highly anticipated but ultimately avoided face-to-face encounter between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a U.N. Security Council meeting.

Who were the main figures involved in the event?

The main figures involved were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, and Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya.

Did Zelenskyy and Lavrov actually meet at the U.N. Security Council?

No, President Zelenskyy left the U.N. Security Council chamber before Minister Lavrov arrived.

What was the atmosphere like during the meeting?

The atmosphere was described as decidedly tense. While there were no outright confrontations, both sides engaged in political posturing and displayed signs of deep-rooted tensions.

How did U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken factor into the proceedings?

Antony Blinken accused Russia of violating essential elements of the U.N. Charter. He was present during parts of the proceedings and took handwritten notes.

What was the role of the U.N. Security Council in this event?

The U.N. Security Council served as a venue for diplomatic discourse and interactions among the conflicting parties. It also highlighted the organization’s role as a platform where conflicting nations could express their grievances verbally rather than militarily.

Were there any issues related to seating arrangements?

Yes, initially a sign indicating Ukraine’s seat was relocated after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed objections to its proximity to Russia’s seat. On this occasion, however, the seats for the two nations were separated from the start.

What issues did Zelenskyy raise in his speech?

Zelenskyy labeled Russia as “a terrorist state” and questioned why Russia continues to hold a seat on a council designed to uphold international peace and security.

Have there been similar incidents at the U.N. Security Council in the past?

Yes, the article notes that delegates have a history of walking out during speeches from rival nations and that it’s commonplace for individuals to come and go during Security Council sessions for various reasons, including scheduling.

What questions did the article leave unanswered?

The article did not delve into the possible ramifications of this near-miss encounter or potential future diplomatic engagements between Ukraine and Russia at the U.N.

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

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5 comments

Mike87 September 21, 2023 - 3:03 am

An anticipated showdown that never happened, huh? Kinda disappointed but maybe it’s for the best.

Reply
JohnDoe September 21, 2023 - 4:25 am

Wow, this article is pretty intense. Seems like the U.N is just a stage for these dramas. Do they even solve anything?

Reply
TinaQ September 21, 2023 - 3:17 pm

This just shows how complex the situation is. Zelenskyy and Lavrov avoiding face to face, it says a lot without saying much.

Reply
RobertX September 21, 2023 - 5:49 pm

What’s the point of these meetings if they’re not gonna talk directly? Feels like a waste of time n resources to me.

Reply
SarahW September 21, 2023 - 5:51 pm

it’s like a high stake chess game but no one’s making a move. Scary how world leaders just avoid each other like this.

Reply

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