In a heated session at the UN Security Council, the United States and Russia engaged in a war of words over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The exchange highlighted the deepening divide between the two nations as accusations and blame took center stage.
Growing Tensions: Russia and the US argue on the Ukraine War at the UN Security Council
Accusations of Resource Theft
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States of attempting to steal Ukraine’s resources, escalating the war and preventing a strategic defeat for Russia. Lavrov pointed fingers at the West, alleging continuous arms supply to Ukrainian forces, which, according to him, are incapable of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia.
Claims of Economic Exploitation
Lavrov went further, alleging that the majority of Ukraine’s major manufacturing plants had been sold to the United States, and the country’s arable lands were under indefinite lease to the US. These economic claims added another layer to the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
US Response: Conspiracy Theories and War Crimes
Robert Wood, the US deputy envoy to the UN, dismissed Lavrov’s accusations as “conspiracy theories and baseless accusations.” He emphasized that Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity initiated the conflict. Wood accused President Putin of pursuing the obliteration of Ukraine and subjugation of its people, prolonging the war.
A War of Words: Arsonist and Firefighters Analogy
Wood drew a vivid analogy, describing Russia’s blame on the West as akin to “an arsonist blaming the firefighters so it can continue its crime.” He highlighted Russia’s efforts to seek additional weapons from Iran and North Korea, accusing Russia of turning to these nations to procure arms for use against Ukraine.
International Concerns: Alleged Use of North Korean-Supplied Weapons
The US and its allies raised concerns about Russia’s alleged use of North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles in Ukraine. The use of weapons from North Korea, subject to a UN arms embargo since 2006, prompted international condemnation. The US emphasized Russia’s role as a permanent Security Council member, shielding itself from repercussions for these alleged violations.
Conclusion: A Deepening Divide
The exchange at the UN Security Council underscored the deepening divide between the US and Russia over the Ukraine conflict. Economic allegations, accusations of war crimes, and concerns about the use of prohibited weaponry have further complicated the already strained relations, leaving the international community on edge.
