UN

Question 1

UN Perspective

Answer 1

The United Nations (UN) has consistently condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a violation of international law and the UN Charter.
Antonio Guterres:
“The urgent need for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace – one that fully upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly.”

Question 2

Interests

Answer 2

1.Uphold international peace and security
The UN aims to uphold international peace and security and protect the sovereignty of member states, These aims are enshrined in the UN Charter, specifically Article 1, which declares the purpose of the UN is “to maintain international peace and security.”

2. Mitigate the conflicts humanitarian impact
   An interest of the UN is to mitigate the conflicts humanitarian impact. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, delivered during a UN Security Council briefing on March 26, 2025:
   “Humanitarian access must be safe, sustained and unhindered so that we can deliver life-saving assistance to people in need.”

Question 3

UNSC Response

Answer 3

Resolution: Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the UNSC attempted to pass a resolution demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Russian troops.
Veto: Russia vetoed the resolution. The resolution had 11 votes in favor, 1 against (Russia), and 3 abstentions (China, India, UAE).

Question 4

UNGA Response

Answer 4

Resolution ES-11/1: The UNGA overwhelmingly adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian forces.

Resolution ES-11/2: The General Assembly adopted a resolution on the humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine, which blamed Russia for the humanitarian crisis and demanded safe access for aid.

Resolution ES-11/4: This resolution condemned Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four Ukrainian regions (Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia) and called on countries not to recognize the annexation.

Question 5

Providing humanitarian support

Answer 5

2024 Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) outlined a requirement of $803.5 million to address the emergency situation in Ukraine, with $253.6 million allocated for assistance in countries hosting refugees (UNHCR).

Question 6

Progression of UN Response

Answer 6

1. UNSC
2. UNGA
3. Humanitarian support

Question 7

Impact of interests on the conflict

Answer 7

1. Uphold international peace and security –> UNSC and UNGA assemblies –> Non-binding resolutions criticising Russia –> political pressure and more support for Ukraine contributing to global financial support for Ukraine –> preventing Russian advances
2. Limiting humanitarian impact –> providing humanitarian support –> doesn’t have effect on consequences of war