On Thursday, Russia vetoed a U.N. resolution that effectively stops United Nations experts from monitoring sanctions against North Korea related to its nuclear program. Despite this move, the sanctions themselves are still in place.
The decision by Russia to block the monitoring, which it had agreed to in the past, led Western countries to accuse Moscow of trying to protect its weapons purchases from North Korea, potentially for use in the conflict in Ukraine, in violation of U.N. sanctions.
The vote in the council saw 13 members in favor, Russia against, and China abstaining. The resolution aimed to extend the experts’ mandate for a year, but Russia’s veto halted its progress while the sanctions against North Korea remain in effect.
Russia’s Ambassador to the U.N., Vassily Nebenzia, criticized the sanctions, stating that they have been ineffective in addressing North Korea’s nuclear program. On the other hand, U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood accused Russia of trying to suppress investigations into North Korea’s violations of sanctions.
The White House spokesperson condemned Russia’s veto and expressed concerns about the collaboration between North Korea and Russia, particularly regarding the transfer of weapons and the conflict in Ukraine.
Britain’s U.N. Ambassador also condemned Russia’s veto, citing arms deals between Russia and North Korea in violation of sanctions. China expressed support for the enforcement of sanctions against North Korea but also emphasized the need for a diplomatic approach.
The Security Council has been imposing sanctions on North Korea since its first nuclear test in 2006. Despite these efforts, the goal of curbing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs has not been achieved. China and Russia have previously vetoed resolutions aimed at imposing additional sanctions on North Korea.
The committee monitoring sanctions against North Korea has been extended for 14 years, with the current mandate set to expire in April 2024.