Russia exercised its veto power at the United Nations on Thursday, blocking a resolution that sought to renew an independent panel of experts investigating North Korea's violations of Security Council sanctions. The move comes amidst escalating tensions between Russia and the West over the conflict in Ukraine, where North Korea has reportedly become a key supplier of munitions for Moscow's war efforts.
In recent years, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a significant expansion of Pyongyang's ballistic missile program, conducting numerous tests, including long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States mainland.
While Russia had previously supported international sanctions and UN investigations into North Korea's illegal weapons program, its stance shifted due to the strained relations with the West and the increased reliance on North Korea for ammunition supplies.
Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia argued that the sanctions regime on Pyongyang was losing relevance and detached from reality, citing the lack of progress in achieving the intended goals on the Korean Peninsula since the establishment of the panel in 2006.
The vote in the Security Council saw 13 members in favor of renewing the panel, with Russia opposing and China abstaining. The veto by Russia led to the resolution's failure, drawing criticism from countries like Britain, the US, and South Korea.
Britain's Ambassador to the UN expressed deep concern over the veto, emphasizing that it undermined the panel's work and the credibility of the international non-proliferation regime. The US Deputy Ambassador condemned Russia's decision, highlighting the importance of upholding nonproliferation efforts.
South Korea's Foreign Ministry also labeled Russia's veto as irresponsible, reflecting the global unease over the implications of the veto on efforts to constrain North Korea's weapons activities.
