In a recent address delivered via video to UN Security Council members, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky laid out a bold vision for reforming the council and its membership. He proposed options for reshaping the body or removing Russia from its ranks, arguing that resolutions must aim at restoring peace in Ukraine. He stated that if dignitaries cannot agree on a path forward, there are two clear alternatives: either exclude Russia as the aggressor to prevent its veto from blocking decisive action, or, if no viable solution exists, simply let the system resolve itself. The remarks were reported by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
Zelensky expressed frustration with the current veto power held by the five permanent members, including Russia, and suggested limitations on Moscow’s influence to ensure it does not obstruct decisions about its own actions or the broader reform of the security framework. He urged that all states be treated as equals in international affairs, regardless of economic strength, geography, or ambitions, a sentiment echoed by the Russian news agency TASS reporting on his comments.
The Ukrainian leader argued that the UN has not responded effectively to the ongoing conflict, and he announced Ukraine’s initiative to convene a global conference in Kyiv focused on overhauling the international security system. The goal is to craft a more reliable structure for safeguarding global peace in the face of current and future challenges.
During the same address, Zelensky warned of a looming food crisis with potential knock-on effects across Africa and Asia, underscoring the global stakes of the conflict. He had previously urged in a February video message that Russia be deprived of its vote in the UN Security Council, a call that has continued to shape international debate.
What does the UN charter say?
Under the present UN Charter, any major decision within the Security Council requires the agreement of all permanent members, each of whom has a veto. This structure has endured since the postwar era, shaping how the council operates in crises around the world.
The Security Council is composed of 15 member states: five permanent members and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. The non-permanent seats rotate, with geographic distribution guiding each cycle.
The permanent members are: the United Kingdom, China, Russia, the United States, and France. Russia has held a permanent seat since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, continuing a legacy from the 1940s era of the council’s founding.
…and how peacekeeping fits into the picture
One of the practical questions surrounding reform concerns UN peacekeepers, whose deployment and mandate are decided by the Security Council. Peacekeeping aims to prevent or resolve threats to peace through collective action when other measures fail, a principle that has guided many missions worldwide. The institution responsible for coordinating these efforts includes a Military Staff Committee, which has overseen missions in various regional conflicts and has seen recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to UN peacekeepers in 1988.
Some observers argue that the UN’s powers extend primarily to humanitarian resolutions, while direct peacemaking and enforcement require broader consensus. In this context, Zelensky’s proposals touch on a broader critique of the current international order, with scholars noting that diplomacy often falls short where rapid, robust action is needed to stop aggression and protect civilians. Analysts interviewed for this report point to a gap between diplomatic measures and effective on-the-ground results, underscoring the ongoing debate about how to strengthen global security structures in a volatile era.
The geopolitical situation has evolved since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Western governments have pursued sanctions and other measures aimed at pressuring Moscow. Recent disclosures highlighted the scale of asset freezes as part of broader economic responses, reflecting the sustained attention that the crisis continues to command in major capitals. Analysts emphasize that the path forward will require coordinated diplomacy, credible deterrence, and a renewed commitment to international law and collective security, all of which are central to Zelensky’s call for reform and greater effectiveness in the UN system.