In Arrest of American Reporter, Russia Doubles Down on Isolation From West
New York TimesNov 26, 2022
The Facts
Russia took up the monthly presidency of the United Nations Security Council on Saturday, which Ukrainian Pres. Zelensky characterized it as an "absurd and destructive" move.
In his nightly address Saturday, Zelenskyy said: "Yesterday, the Russian army killed another Ukrainian child — a five-month-old boy named Danylo. One of the hundreds of artillery strikes that the terrorist state launches every day… And at the same time, Russia chairs the UN Security Council. It is hard to imagine something evident that proves the complete bankruptcy of such institutions..."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Russia's presidency is a slap in the face to the international community. Despite being a permanent member, Russia — which systematically violates the essence of the UN legal framework and plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus — is presiding over a body whose only mission is to safeguard and protect international security. Putin, who is now formally considered a war criminal by the Hague, will try and use the presidency to stir up trouble for the Ukrainians and push his narratives about the war.
Establishment-critical narrative
The West cannot deprive Russia of its legitimate legal status to chair the UN Security Council or boot Russia off the entire UN. It's hypocritical to corner Russia over its campaign in Ukraine but not the United States — a permanent member of the Council — for breaching the UN charter and illegally invading Iraq two decades ago.
Cynical narrative
The authority, legitimacy, and effectiveness of the UN Security Council have been weakened since it was created 75 years ago. As the world has changed profoundly, it is finding it difficult to maintain international peace and security and is becoming less and less responsive in crisis after crisis. The Council must be reformed or dissolved as it fails to take enough action to prevent conflicts, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
