Janice R. Andrews
United Nation— As Russia, as the U.N. Security Council president, called a meeting on Tuesday to address “Multilateral cooperation for a more just, democratic and sustainable world order,” tensions erupted at the UN. But the discussion soon became heated as the US and its allies accused Russia of being blatantly hypocritical given that it was still invading Ukraine.
Lavrov’s Charges Against Western Powers
The meeting was chaired by Sergey Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, who made a point of criticizing the United States. Lavrov charged that the United States was preventing international collaboration and keeping the entire West “at gunpoint.” In support of his claim that the United States fosters its own uniqueness, he cited George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” which states, “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”
Lavrov implied that Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine was a necessary reaction to remove threats to its security and went on to criticize NATO’s “reckless expansion” in Europe. He charged that Washington was trying to topple the international system in an effort to constrain China, Russia, and other nations with autonomous policies.
US and Friends React
Lavrov’s charges were criticized by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield as being inconsistent. She maintained that the U.N. Charter and the ideals of international cooperation are being directly threatened by Russia’s activities in Ukraine. Thomas-Greenfield remarked, “I felt like I was in the wrong room because this seemed to be a session whining about the West and the United States.” She rejected Lavrov’s requests for collaboration and emphasized Russia’s ongoing violations of Ukraine’s human rights and territorial integrity.
United Declaration Denounces Russian Measures
Sergiy Kyslytsya, the ambassador of Ukraine to the United Nations, read a joint statement prior to the conference on behalf of roughly fifty nations, including the US. The statement denounced North Korea for providing military support to Moscow in defiance of international sanctions and denounced Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. It also emphasized how Iran had violated the sanctions while they were in place.
The statement said, “The Russian Federation undermines multilateral and international cooperation with its continued illegal actions and blatant hypocrisy.” The group underlined that Russia’s actions endanger global peace and security and heighten tensions in the area.
Demands a Fair and Democratic International Order
Using his position, Lavrov advocated for peace in Ukraine on Vladimir Putin’s conditions, which Kyiv has continuously rejected. In addition, he supported the acknowledgement of a multipolar world, the reform of international organizations, and the eradication of inequalities in the global economy.
Thomas-Greenfield, on the other hand, called for action to update international and U.N. processes to better represent modern realities and the interests of all countries, particularly emerging ones. “To make sure that everyone plays by the rules and that the rules are fair to everyone, not to keep other nations down, but rather to help them build up,” she declared.
A British Viewpoint
Barbara Woodward, the British ambassador to the UN, raised her voice in opposition to Russia. She reminded the Security Council that the world’s current dire circumstances are similar to those that existed when the United Nations was established at the close of World War II. As Woodward pointed out, “more countries are engaged in conflict than at any time since World War II,” highlighting how urgent it is to address the climate problem and other international challenges.
Woodward questioned the validity of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, specifically addressing Lavrov. What does it mean to merely attempt to annex land from another nation? Attempting to subjugate the people of another country is not democratic. “What makes this war sustainable when over 500,000 of your own people have been killed or injured?” she questioned.
A Serious Warning
Woodward stressed that the invasion of Ukraine serves as a clear reminder of the kind of global order that Russia aspires to, one in which strong nations can invade and oppress others without consequence and where might makes right. She maintained that the U.N. works to protect the values of justice, democracy, and sustainability, all of which are at odds with this.
The clear rift that existed between Russia and the Western countries was evident as the meeting came to an end. The conversation brought to light the persistent geopolitical tensions and the difficulties the international community faces in promoting true multilateral collaboration.
