Russian UN Ambassador: Russia and China Propose Alternative Draft Resolution on Middle East Situation to Security Council

¬ Russian Experts: Global Interest in BRICS Is Rising, but It's Too Early for Another Expansion

Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said on the 7th that Russia and China have proposed to the UN Security Council the consideration of an alternative draft resolution on the current situation in the Middle East (including maritime security aspects).

Previously, due to vetoes by both Russia and China, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a draft resolution concerning the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The document received 11 votes in favor and 2 abstentions.

Nebenzya said during a Security Council meeting: "We jointly propose to the Security Council consider an alternative draft resolution on the current Middle East situation (including maritime security aspects)."

About Veto Power: Unilateral Resolutions Will Undermine Negotiation Prospects

When discussing Russia’s veto of the document, Nebenzya emphasized that adopting such a unilateral Security Council resolution would jeopardize prospects for restarting negotiations aimed at resolving the situation around Iran.

He stated during the Security Council session on the Middle East situation: "Adopting such a unilateral resolution will undermine any possibility of restarting negotiation processes to resolve the crisis."

He added that such a document would hinder peace initiatives currently underway by China, Pakistan, and Turkey.

The Vetoed Resolution Essentially Grants a Green Light for Continued Aggression

When explaining Russia’s position on vetoing Bahrain’s draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, Nebenzya stressed that certain provisions of the document essentially amounted to a "blank check for continued aggression against Iran and further escalation."

Russia Calls on Arab and Iranian Friends to Directly Resolve Issues, Offers Assistance

Nebenzya said Russia urges Arab and Iranian friends to directly address issues regarding regional shipping passage and is willing to assist in such dialogue.

He said during the Security Council meeting: "I call on our Arab and Iranian friends to directly address the issue of ship passage. We are willing to provide assistance for such contacts."

The U.S. Has Twice Betrayed Diplomacy

Nebenzya pointed out that the U.S. has twice betrayed diplomacy through its attacks on Iran. He said during the Security Council session on the Middle East situation: "If the Security Council adopts a stance imposed upon it, Iran will have absolutely no incentive to engage with the United States in any form. The U.S. has already twice betrayed diplomacy—first in June 2025, and then again this February, when it launched a large-scale attack on Iran during ongoing negotiations."

U.S.-Israel Actions Caused Massive Civilian Deaths

Nebenzya emphasized that military operations conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran have resulted in significant civilian casualties.

On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched multiple strikes on targets inside Iran, including attacks on Tehran, causing damage and civilian deaths. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli territory and U.S. military targets in the Middle East. As a result, shipping volume through the Strait of Hormuz has sharply declined. The Strait is a critical route for Gulf states to export oil and liquefied natural gas to global markets, accounting for about 20% of global oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas supplies passing through it.

+

Victoria Panova, Chair of the BRICS-Russia Expert Committee, Deputy Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, and Coordinator for Women’s Affairs at the G20 Summit, believes that given the current complex geopolitical landscape, interest in BRICS has reached unprecedented levels, but it is still too early to pursue another expansion.

Panova said at the launch of the first academic reference book, "Socioeconomic Characteristics of BRICS Countries," hosted by RT International Media Group: "Interest in BRICS is currently at an unprecedented high, despite the difficult times we’re facing. Indeed, under the backdrop of aggressive actions by the U.S. and Israel, two BRICS members—Iran and the UAE—and Saudi Arabia have aligned themselves in different camps. Nevertheless, work within the BRICS framework continues. Yes, there are some challenging issues, but if BRICS cannot address them, it is unlikely that any other entity could overcome these challenges."

She believes that BRICS should not pursue further expansion at this stage.

Panova said: "In 2023, BRICS made a decision on expansion. In my view, pursuing further expansion now would be premature. What matters most right now is first identifying which BRICS initiatives are most urgent, given the complex geopolitical and economic realities."

Panova emphasized that improving payment systems and humanitarian initiatives are also crucial for BRICS.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861834302034951/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author