UN Security Council Adopts Statement Supporting Peaceful Resolution of Ukraine Crisis

[Photo by AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] On the 6th (local time), the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a statement strongly supporting the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis.

Drafted by Norway and Mexico, the statement expressed that "the Security Council is deeply concerned about the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine" and supported the mediation efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Instead of words like 'invasion' or 'war,' the statement used the term 'conflict.' It also did not specify that the situation arose from Russia's invasion, nor did it mention the inhumane acts of the Russian military.

This appears to be due to consideration of Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council with veto power. The statement, adopted unanimously by all 15 member states, became the first official Security Council position since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

The statement is adopted by consensus of all 15 members of the Security Council, which consists of the five permanent members (P-5) and ten non-permanent members serving two-year terms, without a vote. Once the Security Council president reads the statement in the meeting room, it becomes an official record.

On the other hand, resolutions require the approval of at least nine Security Council members and the consent of all five permanent members: the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom.

Earlier, a resolution condemning Russia and demanding its immediate withdrawal following Russia's invasion of Ukraine was vetoed by Russia.

Subsequently, the international community, including the United States, bypassed the Security Council where Russia could exercise its veto and adopted a resolution at the UN General Assembly. The resolution passed by the UN General Assembly listed Russia's inhumane acts, including the siege, shelling, and airstrikes on densely populated areas including Mariupol, as well as attacks on civilians.