South Korea Criticizes Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations: Analysis and Commentary

2023-04-25 00:36:00

Hwang Joon-guk, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, speaks at an open meeting at the United Nations. [사진=연합뉴스]

A scene was staged in which South Korea virtually openly criticizes Russia at the United Nations.

South Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Hwang Joon-guk strongly pointed out Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine at an open meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) presided over by Russia on the 24th (local time).

Ambassador Hwang referred to Russia as “an entity that illegally used force against Ukraine’s territory and sovereignty,” and made a de facto comment that “it is a sad reality that this entity has proposed the topic of today’s meeting.”

The theme of the meeting was ‘Maintaining International Peace and Security-Effective Multilateralism through Upholding the Principles of the UN Charter’, which was adopted this month at the suggestion of Russia, the circuit presidency of the Security Council.

Ambassador Hwang is interpreted as criticizing Russia, which directly violated the UN Charter by invading Ukraine in February last year, talking about ‘international peace’ and promoting ‘multilateralism’ and wreaking havoc in its sphere of influence.

In addition to this, when the international community criticizes them, it can be seen as pointing out that they are using the Security Council as a venue to propagate their country’s international politics.

Ambassador Hwang mentioned that the principle of prohibiting the use of force under the UN Charter is a value that member states must adhere to, and said, “No one expected that the permanent members of the UN Security Council would completely disregard the UN Charter.” This remark is in fact speculated to be specific to Russia.

In addition to this, Ambassador Hwang emphasized that in order to realize the theme of the day, ‘protection of the UN Charter and effective multilateralism’, it is necessary to correct cases of clear violations of Security Council resolutions.

Ambassador Hwang criticized North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons as an example of a violation of a Security Council resolution, saying, “The Security Council is not playing its role due to the veto of the two permanent members.” It is aimed at China and Russia.

Prior to Ambassador Hwang’s remarks, criticism of Russia’s duplicity was raised in other member countries.

Ambassadors from European Union member states issued a joint statement just before the meeting and called for an immediate withdrawal of troops from Ukraine, saying, “Russia everywhere is blaspheming (the United Nations Charter).”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is in violation of the UN Charter and international law, not only causing great suffering and destruction to the country and its people, but also adding to the global economic chaos.

Reporter Junkyu Park [email protected]

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