Ukraine war looms over Switzerland UN presidency
Russia couldn’t escape its war against Ukraine during it highly contentious presidency of the U.N. Security Council, and the war will still loom over Switzerland as it takes over the monthlong presidency for the first time since becoming a full member of the United Nations in 2002
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Russia couldn’t escape its war against Ukraine during its highly contentious presidency of the U.N. Security Council, and the war will still loom over Switzerland as it takes over the monthlong presidency Monday for the first time since becoming a full member of the United Nations in 2002.
Switzerland’s U.N. Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl said at the traditional opening press conference that her country's approach has been to work for unity of the council's 15 members and to be “a bridge builder.” She conceded, nonetheless, that she expects “some heated or polarized discussions.”
Fireworks are almost certain during Switzerland’s signature events, starting Wednesday with a session on how to ensure trust to sustain peace in the future and another on May 23 on protecting civilians in armed conflict.
The council is also highly likely to hold a meeting on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, she said, which is certain to pit Moscow against Kyiv’s allies.
