RUSSIA’S BALANCE: A PLOY OR STANCE?

A press conference was held in the Security Council today on the transformation of the UNSC, where a Fox News journalist pressed the Russian Delegation on its position. Coming to the conference, the Russian Federation stated that it wishes to hold on to its veto power within the UNSC. The delegate stressed that they believe the Russian veto is necessary to maintain balance in the UN on a political and military level, to ensure that no military action is taken. 

The Russian Federation seems quite unresponsive when other delegations spoke about the future of the UN and the transformation of the Security Council in today’s debates. Other delegations believe that the balance that Russia wants to maintain can only be reached by giving concessions. It is a sad day for the American people, and the civilians from all around the world when the Russian delegation threatens to veto a resolution to guard its own interests. This is clearly not in line with the democratic values and it is a setback when it comes to reaching the peace and equality the USA, and by extension, the UN, stands for. 

Seeing that the official position of Russia seems to change frequently, the international community remains in a state of uncertainty and confusion. In the interests of the permanent member coming to an agreement, Russia could look to the USA for guidance.