Russia Vetoes UN Proposal On North Korea Sanctions
Russia used its veto power at the United Nations on Thursday to prevent the adoption of a resolution that sought to extend a group of experts responsible for investigating North Korea's breaches of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions, according to CNN.
This comes at a time when tensions between Moscow and the Western countries are increasing due to the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, North Korea has become a notable source of weapons for Russia.
According to CNN, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a significant growth of Pyongyang's ballistic missile program. This includes conducting multiple tests, including long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles that have the capability to reach the mainland United States. In the past, Russia has been in favor of international sanctions and UN investigations into North Korea's illicit weapons program.
Nevertheless, due to the Ukraine crisis, there has been a change in the situation, resulting in Russian President Vladimir Putin relying more heavily on North Korea for weapons.
The Russian Ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, defended the veto by claiming that the UN sanctions imposed on North Korea are becoming less important and disconnected from the actual situation. He expressed dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of the sanctions, which have been in place since 2006, arguing that they have failed to accomplish their intended objectives or bring about positive changes on the Korean Peninsula. Nebenzia emphasized Russia's worries about a group of nations, led by the United States, attempting to suffocate Pyongyang, which directly affects Russia's own national security interests.
Despite the UN sanctions prohibiting arms transfers to or from North Korea, the Kim regime has become a major provider of weapons to support Russia's activities in Ukraine. The defense minister of South Korea disclosed that North Korean munitions factories are working at maximum capacity to supply Russia with arms, including millions of artillery shells. Additionally, Ukraine has found remnants of ballistic missiles made by North Korea after being targeted in attacks, according to CNN's report.
The vote in the Security Council, which consists of 15 members, resulted in 13 members supporting the renewal of the panel of experts' work. However, Russia opposed the renewal and China chose to abstain. Unfortunately, Russia's veto power ultimately caused the resolution to fail. Barbara Woodward, the British Ambassador to the UN, expressed serious concern about Russia's veto. She highlighted the negative consequences it would have on the people of North Korea and the effectiveness of sanctions. Woodward accused Russia of trying to avoid and violate sanctions for its weapons procurement, which undermines the international non-proliferation regime and the credibility of the Council.
The US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, Robert Wood, expressed strong disapproval of Russia's actions, questioning how a country that considers itself civilised could prevent the approval. He emphasized that even though the panel of experts may have been silenced temporarily, those who support a strong nonproliferation system would continue to advocate for it. The Foreign Ministry of South Korea also condemned Russia's decision as irresponsible, further emphasizing the international backlash against Moscow's actions, according to CNN.
