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United Nations

Zelenskyy Calls for Russia to be Stripped of UN Security Council Vote

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a call for Russia to be stripped of its voting rights in the United Nations Security Council, citing Moscow's veto of a resolution condemning its invasion of Ukraine. The move has found support among some Republican lawmakers in the United States, who have introduced a resolution to encourage the UN to remove Russia from the Security Council. While experts have expressed doubt about the feasibility of such a move, they acknowledge that Russia's presidency of the council, which rotates on a month-by-month basis, is a symbol of the country's involvement in the international organization. The controversy surrounding Russia's role in the UN has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the global body in addressing humanitarian crises and promoting human rights.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for Russia to be stripped of its voting rights in the UN Security Council, citing Moscow's veto of a resolution condemning its invasion of Ukraine.
  • The call to remove Russia from the Security Council has found support among some Republican lawmakers in the United States, including Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. Dan Crenshaw.
  • Experts have expressed doubt about the feasibility of stripping Russia of its UN membership, citing the country's veto power in the Security Council.
  • Russia's presidency of the council, which rotates on a month-by-month basis, is not considered a significant factor in the country's ability to influence UN decisions.
  • The controversy surrounding Russia's role in the UN has raised questions about the effectiveness of the global body in addressing humanitarian crises and promoting human rights.
  • Russia's use of the veto to block measures on matters related to its own crises is not unusual, with the Soviet Union having wielded its veto in the past to block resolutions on the Hungarian Revolution and the invasion of Czechoslovakia.
  • Experts recognize that Russia's involvement in the UN's humanitarian work, such as its role in the recent humanitarian action in Afghanistan, highlights the organization's complexities and potential for reform.

Statistics:

  • 80 countries joined the US in co-sponsoring the resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
  • More than 50 countries joined the US at the podium to call out Russia's aggression.
  • Russia has vetoed 11 Security Council resolutions related to Ukraine since the invasion began.
  • The U.N. has been alive for 75 years, with a mixed record of success and failure in preventing wars and promoting humanitarian action.
  • The U.N. Human Rights Council has been criticized for including countries like Russia, China, and Cuba, which have been accused of human rights abuses.

Sources:

  • Fox News, February 23, 2022
  • UNTV video, February 2022
  • Twitter, @VolodymyrZelenskyy, February 23, 2022
  • CNN, February 2022
  • Fox News, February 23, 2022
  • International Crisis Group, February 2022
  • Fox News, February 2022
  • Fox News, February 2022
  • U.N. Human Rights Council, 2022
  • Fox News, February 2022
  • SyndiGate Media Inc., February 2022

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