In early October 2022, Russia used its veto power to prevent the UN Security Council from collectively condemning its annexation of four Ukrainian regions. And it’s not the first time that the country has used its permanent member status to veto a motion this year.

The UN Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, and it’s responsible for ensuring international peace and security. To do so, the council uses diplomatic negotiation, although it can also authorize sanctions, and even the use of force. That happened during the Gulf War in 1990 for example, when a coalition of forces from 34 countries collaborated to defeat Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait.

What is the Security Council? And why is Russia one of the five permanent members? Is the UN Security Council still relevant and useful to this day? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A Bababam Originals podcast written and produced by Joseph Chance.

In partnership with upday UK.

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