Tensions arose at a UN meeting on Monday as Russia's foreign minister opposed any peace plan supported by Kyiv and the West, while China expressed concerns about the potential impact of global chaos on the slowing global economy.
In a recent statement, Sergey Lavrov, Russia's top diplomat, expressed his belief that Ukrainian forces have not been successful on the battlefield and cannot defeat or weaken Russia.
In his address to the UN Security Council, he emphasized Moscow's willingness to engage in peace negotiations, AP News reported. However, he expressed skepticism towards the peace plans put forth by Ukraine and its Western counterparts, suggesting that these proposals may serve as a pretext to prolong the conflict and secure financial support from Western taxpayers.
According to the speaker, the various formulas being used are leading to no positive outcome. It is suggested that it would be beneficial for Ukraine and the West if Washington, London, Paris, and Brussels acknowledge this. The speaker also cautions that the ongoing efforts against Russia have already resulted in new risks that affect reputation and existence.
The US deputy ambassador, Robert Wood, rejected Lavrov's claims as "blatant disinformation" and argued that it was Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 that initiated the war. Wood further stated that President Vladimir Putin's relentless pursuit of Ukraine's destruction and subjugation is prolonging the conflict.
Russia convened the council meeting to once again express strong disapproval of Western military assistance to Ukraine. Prior to the commencement, diplomats from over 40 nations gathered around Ukraine's UN Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya, who delivered a collective statement emphasizing Russia's "hypocrisy" in condemning legitimate arms transfers aimed at assisting Ukraine in its self-defense.
Monday's meeting was criticized by Ukraine's supporters, who viewed it as yet another attempt by Russia to divert attention from its ongoing war of aggression. They strongly condemned Russia's violation of UN sanctions through the use of military support from Iran and North Korea, including drones and ballistic missiles, as well as the acquisition of military equipment from Belarus.
During the council meeting, numerous appeals were made for intensified peace initiatives. Additionally, China, a close ally of Russia, expressed mounting apprehension regarding the escalating risk to global security caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
China Warns Further Global Chaos at UN Meeting
According to China's UN Ambassador Zhang Jun "It is crucial for the world to avoid escalating geopolitical tensions while the global economy is experiencing a slowdown."
Zhang emphasized to the council the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Ukraine has consistently demanded this, while Russia's actions in annexing four Ukrainian regions have clearly violated these principles.
However, the Chinese ambassador expressed disapproval of Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO and cautioned Kyiv about the potential impact on Moscow's security concerns.
Zhang emphasized the importance of expediting direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. He failed to address the peace plan issued by China in February 2023, which emphasized the need for a ceasefire, negotiations, and the lifting of sanctions against Russia. Instead, he chose to highlight the detrimental impact of the war on the global economy.
China took the floor as the third speaker in the 15-member council, and Lavrov promptly exited the room once Zhang finished speaking, allowing a deputy to take his place. Lavrov was unable to hear Wood, but he did listen to Malta's UN Ambassador Vanessa Frazier.
Per The Independent, Frazier echoed the US request for Russia to withdraw its forces and accused Moscow of neglecting its responsibility to uphold international peace and security, which is the primary mission of the Security Council.
"Today's meeting aims to rationalize the irrational and present a narrative that portrays the victim as the aggressor and the aggressor as the victim," Frazier expressed, condemning the tragic loss of 10,200 Ukrainian civilians, including 575 children, and the injuries sustained by over 19,300 others in Russian attacks since the war started, as reported by the UN human rights office.
