Action wanes at UN to isolate Russia almost 6 months into Ukraine war
- Attempts by West to diplomatically isolate Russia through the United Nations have limited impact so far
- Russia, with veto power on the 15-member UN Security Council, can shield itself from substantial action
On a June night under the chandeliers of Russia’s United Nations mission in New York, dozens of UN ambassadors from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia attended a reception to mark the country’s national day – less than four months after its forces invaded neighbouring Ukraine.
“We thank all of you for your support and your principled position against the so-called anti-Russian crusade,” Russian UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told them, after accusing countries he did not name of trying to “cancel” Russia and its culture.
The crowd of ambassadors illustrated the difficulties facing Western diplomats in trying to sustain international resolve to isolate Russia diplomatically after an initial flurry of UN denunciations for attacking Ukraine.
Wary of frustration and concern among some countries that the war is consuming too much global attention nearly six months in with no prospect of the United Nations being able to end it, Western diplomats acknowledge they are limited in how they can significantly further target Russia beyond having meetings.
“As the war has dragged on, it has become harder to find meaningful ways to penalise Russia,” said Richard Gowan, UN director at the independent International Crisis Group.
In some cases, Western countries are shying away from some specific moves, fearing tepid support, as rising vote abstentions have signalled a growing unwillingness to publicly oppose Moscow, diplomats and observers said.