Russia criticised for using veto to end UN monitoring of North Korea sanctions
GuardianMar 29
Russia's Veto Ends UN Monitoring of NKorea's Nuclear Sanctions
The Facts
Russia on Thursday vetoed the renewal of a UN panel that monitors North Korea's compliance with sanctions levied on the North's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
While the 2006 sanctions remain in place, the veto disbands the panel, which was probing Russia's alleged purchase of North Korean arms for use against Ukraine.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia's veto is a clear case of collusion. It sparks concerns over nuclear proliferation and sanctions evasion. Although it safeguards Russia's interests, it dismisses concerns for the safety of the world should North Korea violate the sanctions. An axis between Pyongyang and Moscow is something the global community must be wary of.
Pro-Russia narrative
This panel needs to end because it's no longer unbiased and instead leans toward the whims and opinions of Western countries. These same Western nations have decided to single out Russia for its opposition despite China abstaining, which effectively was a second vote to veto.
Nerd narrative
There's a 33% chance of Russian territory being reduced by at least 1% before Jan. 1, 2040, according to the Metaculus prediction community.