The day after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UN Security Council voted on a draft resolution demanding that Russia stop its attack and withdraw its forces.
Eleven of the fifteen members voted in favour, but Russia, a permanent member, used its veto. China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstained.
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A permanent member blocked action over its own use of force. The example illustrates the central structural weakness of the Security Council and the realist view that great powers pursue their interests regardless of international institutions.
Liberals argue that the vote showed most of the Council opposing Russia, while the abstentions of China, India and the UAE showed limited support for its position.
When the Council is blocked, action can move to the General Assembly and humanitarian agencies, so the UN as a whole was not inactive.
The Council continues to agree resolutions on many other issues, so one case should not be generalised.
The facts and their significance still stand.
The clearest recent case of the veto blocking action on a major conflict.
Signed off for students.
Origin: AI draft (Claude) · Reviewer: Editor
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