Russia’s chairmanship of UN Security Council ended

Switzerland on Monday took over the chairmanship of the UN Security Council through rotation from Russia, amid controversies related to the latter’s taking the position during its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. 

 

Switzerland claimed it would act based on its reputation as a mediator and facilitator of dialogue.

 

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Switzerland has repeatedly been the target of criticism for refusing other countries to transfer Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine and to use internationally sanctioned Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine.

 

In April, the UN Security Council was headed by Russia, which took advantage of this status and held meetings in the council under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. 

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has slammed the fact by saying  a “terrorist state” had taken over the leadership of the UN Security Council, which he said had  shown  the council needed to be reformed.

 

10 of the 15 member states of the UN Security Council change periodically. There are five permanent members in the council: Russia, USA, Great Britain, France and China, who enjoy the right of veto.