By: ATN News
New York: In a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, concerns mounted over the deepening military cooperation between the Russian Federation, Iran, and North Korea, as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate. Delegates warned that any transfer of weapons must align with international law, emphasizing the potential consequences of further military aid to Russia. Global Security
The High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, briefed the Council, underscoring the ongoing provision of arms and military support to both Ukraine and Russia. She highlighted recent reports suggesting that several states are transferring sophisticated weaponry, including drones and ballistic missiles, to the Russian Armed Forces. These developments raise significant alarm, particularly as Russia's use of such weapons has led to substantial civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
Nakamitsu stressed the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law, calling for clear distinctions between civilian and military targets. "Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited," she affirmed, underscoring the grave risks posed by the misuse of unmanned aerial vehicles and missile systems in the ongoing conflict.
The meeting saw sharp exchanges between representatives of the involved nations. The Russian Federation accused the United States and the United Kingdom of supplying Ukraine with weapons that continue to fuel the conflict, claiming these Western powers are profiting from the hostilities. The Russian delegate further alleged that Ukraine has been using toxic substances in combat—an assertion vehemently denied by the U.S. representative. The U.S. highlighted the danger posed by Russia’s recent contract with Iran for hundreds of missiles, which they labeled a "destabilizing development" that not only threatens Ukrainian and European security but also empowers Iran’s controversial activities in the Middle East.
China’s role in the conflict was also brought to the fore, with the U.S. criticizing Beijing for indirectly supporting Russia's war efforts. However, China's delegate refuted these accusations, maintaining that China has not provided weapons to either side and is instead working towards diplomatic solutions. Beijing, in partnership with Brazil, has initiated peace talks and remains committed to fostering dialogue to resolve the crisis, the representative asserted.
The United Kingdom’s delegate shifted focus to Iran’s involvement, warning that the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia poses a direct threat to European security. He was echoed by France, which called on Tehran to immediately halt arms supplies to Russia. Both nations stressed the importance of an international response, including sanctions against those facilitating these transfers.
North Korea’s role in the conflict also drew significant attention. The Republic of Korea warned that Pyongyang’s weapons are already being used in Ukraine, citing evidence from Ukrainian military research linking North Korean missiles to recent attacks on Kyiv. The strengthened military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang were condemned by several delegates, who expressed concern about the broader implications for global security.
Amid these discussions, Japan criticized the recurring Security Council meetings, suggesting they offer no real solutions to the conflict. Japan’s representative argued that the only issue that needs addressing is Russia's violation of international law through its continued aggression in Ukraine.
Other voices, including Slovenia and Switzerland, backed Ukraine’s right to defend itself and condemned any attempts to blame the victim in the ongoing conflict. Sierra Leone and Algeria joined the call for a diplomatic resolution, warning that the continued flow of weapons into conflict zones only exacerbates the situation.
Ecuador and Mozambique raised concerns about the long-term consequences of arms transfers, warning that improperly managed supplies could fuel instability in other regions, including Latin America and Africa. Mozambique’s delegate particularly cautioned that the diversion of resources away from critical social sectors could lead to further crises.
The discussion took a somber turn with Malta’s condemnation of a recent attack in the Donetsk region, which killed three Red Cross staff members. This tragedy, the delegate said, underscores the need for adherence to international humanitarian law and reinforces the broader argument that military solutions alone cannot bring peace to Ukraine.
The meeting concluded with widespread agreement that the path forward lies in diplomacy and negotiations, not in further militarization. Yet, with military alliances deepening, the prospect of a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine remains distant.