Russia-Ukraine Conflict: United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
1. Background:
What is the UNSC?
The United Nations Security Council bears primary responsibility for maintaining
international peace and security under the UN Charter. Established in 1945, the Council has
unique powers to authorize military action, impose sanctions, and establish peacekeeping
operations.
Council Composition:
● Permanent Members (P5): United States, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, France,
China (each with veto power)
● Non-Permanent Members: 10 members elected for two-year terms by the General
Assembly
● Presidency: Rotates monthly among all 15 members in alphabetical order
Conflict Summary & Timeline:
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has deep historical roots in the dissolution of the Soviet Union,
Ukraine's independence in 1991, and subsequent tensions over Ukraine's Western
orientation versus Russian influence in the region. It’s a complex and long-running
geopolitical crisis between Russia and Ukraine that escalated into a full-scale war in 2022. It
is one of the most pressing global security challenges today and has led to immense human
suffering, major international tensions, and an ongoing debate over sovereignty, territorial
integrity, and international law.
To understand the current conflict, it is important to look back at key moments:
● 1991: The Soviet Union dissolved, and Ukraine became an independent country. Russia
and Ukraine have had tense relations since, especially over Ukraine's increasing ties
with Western countries and NATO.
● 2004–2005: Ukraine's Orange Revolution led to pro-European leadership, worrying
Russia.
● 2014: Russia annexed Crimea, a part of Ukraine, and supported armed separatists in
eastern Ukraine (Donetsk and Luhansk regions).
● 2014–2021: A slow-burning war continued in Eastern Ukraine, leading to over 13,000
deaths by 2021.
● February 24, 2022: Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, attacking from
multiple fronts.
● 2022–2025: The war has continued for over three years with intense battles, shifting
control of territory, and a massive humanitarian crisis. Diplomatic efforts have failed to
bring lasting peace.
International Law Violations:
Russia's actions constitute violations of multiple international law principles, including the UN
Charter's prohibition on the use of force, Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and
various international humanitarian law obligations.
2. Current Global Crisis (As of 2025)
Humanitarian Crisis:
● 13 million Ukrainians urgently need humanitarian aid
● 3.7 million people are displaced inside Ukraine
● 7 million Ukrainian refugees are living abroad
● In February 2025, 123 civilians were killed and 567 injured, marking a 35% increase
in casualties compared to last year
Targeted Attacks on Infrastructure:
Russian military operations have deliberately targeted key civilian facilities:
● Over 215 medical facilities destroyed, and 1,646 damaged
● Damage to schools, energy plants, water systems, and transport networks
Humanitarian Access:
Aid agencies face difficulty accessing Russian-occupied areas such as Donetsk, Kherson,
Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, leaving over 1.5 million people without proper assistance.
Legal and Diplomatic Issues:
● Russia’s invasion violates the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and
Ukraine’s sovereignty.
● Peace talks and ceasefires have been attempted but are repeatedly broken or stalled.
3. Recent Global Actions
Recent Security Council Actions:
● Resolution 2774 (2025): Passed by 10 votes; 5 countries abstained (Denmark, France,
Greece, Slovenia, UK). It expressed regret over civilian deaths and urged a peaceful
resolution.
● Amendments: Attempts to add stronger language (e.g., blaming Russia, demanding full
withdrawal) were vetoed by Russia.
Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts:
● Ceasefire negotiations and prisoner exchanges continue.
● Russia has placed preconditions for peace (e.g., keeping Crimea, lifting sanctions).
● Ukraine has agreed to talks but demands full Russian withdrawal.
UN Humanitarian Efforts:
Funding Gaps:
● Of the $2.6 billion needed in 2025, only 17% has been raised
UN Agencies at Work:
● OCHA: Coordinates overall emergency response
● UNHCR: Manages refugee aid
● WFP: Delivers food supplies
● WHO: Sends trauma kits and medicines
● UNICEF: Helps displaced children with education and protection
Previous UN Actions and Roadblocks:
Resolution 2623 (2022):
● Called for an Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly, bypassing
Russia’s veto
Blocked Resolutions:
● Russia vetoed proposals that:
- Condemned the invasion
- Authorized humanitarian corridors
- Called for war crime investigations
General Assembly Response:
Passed key resolutions with strong support:
● ES-11/1: Condemned Russia’s invasion (141–5–35)
● ES-11/2: On humanitarian consequences (140–5–38)
● ES-11/3: Suspended Russia from the Human Rights Council (93–24–58)
4. Key Stakeholders and Their Positions:
Russia:
● Justifies its invasion as protecting national security
● Rejects Western involvement and sanctions
● Uses its veto to block UN actions
Ukraine:
● Demands restoration of full territorial integrity (including Crimea)
● Calls for international help and war crime investigations
United States:
● Has reduced its involvement under the Trump administration
● Drafted Resolution 2774 with neutral language
● Previously provided military and humanitarian aid
European Union Countries:
● Strong supporters of Ukraine
● Critical of Russia’s violations of international law
● Frustrated with US policy shift
China:
● Neutral stance but opposes Western sanctions
● Promotes peace talks while maintaining ties with Russia
5. Current Procedural Challenge:
The UNSC is deadlocked due to Russia's veto power. This has shifted more action to the
General Assembly, where no country has veto rights.
6. Directions for Your Research:
To prepare well for the UNSC simulation, ask yourself:
● How has your assigned country voted on Ukraine-related resolutions?
● What is your country’s position on sanctions, military aid, or peace talks?
● What is your country’s relationship with Russia and Ukraine?
● Should the UNSC reform the veto system? How?
● How can international law be enforced in this conflict?
7. Final Thoughts
This crisis tests the strength of the United Nations and the limits of international
diplomacy. As UNSC delegates, you must:
● Understand your country’s alliances and priorities
● Debate whether peace is possible without justice
● Balance humanitarian needs with security and sovereignty
Can you build consensus in a divided Security Council? The world is watching!