03/10 • RUSSIA AND THE UN

During the Summit of the Future at the UN in late September 2024, Russia strongly opposed the adoption of the Pact for the Future, a reform initiative aimed at addressing modern global challenges. While lofty in terms of goals and ideals, the pact was designed to strengthen international cooperation on issues like climate change, peacekeeping, and the governance of artificial intelligence.

Russia, alongside Belarus, North Korea, Iran, and Syria, objected to the pact, primarily over concerns of non-interference in internal affairs. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin introduced an amendment to protect this principle, but the UN General Assembly rejected it by a wide margin (143 votes). Despite Russia’s vocal opposition, the pact was adopted by consensus, marking a significant diplomatic defeat for Russia and its allies.

Russia’s stance at the UN also revolves around its ongoing war in Ukraine, a subject that continues to dominate Security Council discussions. In late September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Security Council, arguing that Russia must be “forced” into peace and calling for global support to hold Russia accountable for its actions. Western nations at the UN have maintained their stance that Russia’s invasion violates core principles of international law, particularly the sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter. This has deepened the rift between Russia and much of the international community, with Western allies pushing for increased sanctions and isolation of Russia .

Russia also continues to use its influence at the UN to obstruct other diplomatic efforts. For example, Russia has been vocal in debates concerning the Middle East, notably in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and Syria, often positioning itself as a counterweight to Western interventions. During recent Security Council discussions, Russian diplomats criticised Western countries for selective interventions and accused them of destabilising regions through regime-change policies .

Russia’s increasing defiance at the UN reflects its broader geopolitical strategy of challenging Western dominance within multilateral organisations. However, these efforts have largely backfired, isolating Russia diplomatically and reinforcing global opposition to its policies, especially regarding Ukraine. The adoption of the Pact for the Future without Russian backing demonstrates a growing global consensus against its obstructionism, signalling diminishing influence on key international issues.

Russia’s confrontational stance at the UN, especially regarding the Pact for the Future and its actions in Ukraine, shows its resistance to reform efforts and international consensus, while underscoring its growing diplomatic isolation in global governance.