Russia Tightens Leash on Security Council... Flood of Reform Demands at UN General Assembly

US Also Strengthens Pressure on Russia, Saying "One Country Shakes Security Council"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Discussions on reforming the United Nations Security Council to expel Russia, which has begun the formal process of annexing occupied Ukrainian territory, have resurfaced in light of the UN General Assembly.

On the 20th (local time), during the opening of the 77th UN General Assembly general debate, major foreign media reported that the issue of Security Council reform was raised, centered on Germany and Japan, both aspiring to become permanent members of the Security Council.

Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany (Photo by Reuters)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hinted at the expulsion of Russia from the Security Council's permanent membership and proposed that Germany should become a permanent member and take on greater responsibility within the institution.

He also criticized human rights violations committed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in relation to the massacre of Ukrainian civilians. He added that only when President Vladimir Putin realizes that he cannot win the war in Ukraine will he be able to abandon his imperial ambitions, stating that the return of imperialism is a disaster not only for Europe but also for the rules-based global peace order.

He emphasized, "This is why we cannot accept any peace that Russia talks about and why Ukraine must repel Russia's attacks."

Japan, which has been pursuing permanent membership for nearly 30 years, also supported the idea of expelling Russia from the Security Council's permanent membership.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that Russia's use of veto power prevented the UN Security Council from responding to the war in Ukraine, and that changes are necessary for the UN to maintain the global peace order.

He emphasized, "We must face the reality that the credibility of the UN is at stake as Russia, a Security Council member, invades Ukraine," adding, "What we need is action, not words."

Japan has publicly pursued permanent membership through Security Council reform while also challenging for non-permanent membership.

Japan has been pushing for permanent membership since 1993 during the tenure of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe but has repeatedly failed to gain international support.

The UN began discussions on reforming the Security Council, which is composed mainly of World War II victors and recognized nuclear-armed states, but no progress was made due to differing national positions.

U.S. President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to deliver a public speech the following day, is also poised to strengthen pressure on Russia through the issue of Security Council reform.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said at a White House briefing that "President Biden plans to discuss the issue of Security Council reform significantly through his UN General Assembly speech and conversations with major world leaders."

When asked whether the expulsion of Russia from the Security Council's permanent membership would be discussed, he replied, "It is not an issue President Biden will raise tomorrow," but added, "The world can see that if one permanent member (Russia) acts this way, it shakes the UN Security Council. Therefore, the world must unite to pressure Russia to change course."

Sullivan added, "He will explain a vision of international leadership based on U.S. foreign policy and principles, present a firmer stance on Russia's unjust invasion of Ukraine, and urge the world to continue opposing Russia's blatant aggression."

The Security Council, a core UN body, can make decisions that are legally binding under international law, and any decision can be blocked if one of the five permanent members exercises veto power. The permanent members are the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia. Consequently, direct military intervention against the invasion of Ukraine has been prevented due to obstruction by Russia and its ally China.