Security Council Background Guide

Topic: The Situation in Ukraine

Conference Year: 2025

Topic Background

The conflict in Ukraine, which escalated dramatically in February 2022 with Russia’s large-scale invasion, remains one of the most pressing security challenges facing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2025. The roots of the conflict trace back to Ukraine’s complex post-Soviet history, including the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia and the subsequent armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists.

The 2022 invasion marked a significant escalation, leading to widespread destruction, massive displacement of civilians, and severe humanitarian crises. The war has also triggered global economic repercussions, including energy supply disruptions and food insecurity due to Ukraine’s role as a major grain exporter. Despite multiple ceasefire attempts and diplomatic efforts, active hostilities have continued into 2025, with fluctuating frontlines and ongoing civilian suffering.

The Security Council’s engagement remains critical because the conflict poses direct threats to international peace and security, challenges the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and raises concerns about violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The topic is on the agenda as the Council seeks to address ceasefire implementation, humanitarian access, accountability for war crimes, and pathways toward sustainable peace.

Key Actors

States:

• Ukraine: The primary victim state, defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, seeking international support for military, humanitarian, and diplomatic efforts.
• Russian Federation: The main aggressor, asserting security concerns and geopolitical interests, responsible for initiating the invasion and controlling occupied territories.
• United States: A key supporter of Ukraine, providing military aid, sanctions on Russia, and diplomatic backing in multilateral forums.
• European Union Member States: Particularly Poland, Germany, France, and the Baltic States, heavily involved in humanitarian assistance, sanctions, and mediation efforts.
• China: A permanent UNSC member with a strategic interest in the conflict’s outcome, advocating for dialogue but often cautious about condemning Russia outright.
• India and Brazil: Emerging powers with nuanced positions emphasizing sovereignty and non-interference, often calling for peaceful negotiation without taking a firm side.

International Organizations:

• United Nations (UN): Including the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), coordinating humanitarian response and monitoring human rights.
• Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE): Involved in monitoring ceasefire agreements and facilitating dialogue, though its mission has faced limitations due to security concerns.
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Providing neutral humanitarian assistance and advocating for compliance with international humanitarian law.

Bloc Positions

1. Western Bloc (United States, United Kingdom, EU members, Canada, Japan, Australia):

   • Strongly condemn Russia’s invasion as a violation of international law.
   • Support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.
   • Advocate for continued sanctions on Russia and increased military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
   • Emphasize accountability for war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law.

2. Russian-aligned Bloc (Russia, Belarus, Syria, North Korea):

   • Justify Russia’s actions as defensive or necessary for protecting Russian-speaking populations and regional security.
   • Reject accusations of aggression and emphasize the need to respect the will of populations in occupied territories.
   • Oppose sanctions and Western military involvement, framing them as escalatory.
   • Call for negotiations based on Russia’s security demands and recognition of territorial changes.

3. Non-Aligned and Developing Countries (India, Brazil, South Africa, ASEAN members):

   • Advocate for peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiation without external interference.
   • Emphasize respect for sovereignty but often avoid explicit condemnation of Russia.
   • Call for humanitarian access and protection of civilians.
   • Stress the importance of upholding international law and the UN Charter without taking sides.

4. Humanitarian-focused States and NGOs (Norway, Switzerland, ICRC observers):

   • Prioritize humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and prevention of war crimes.
   • Advocate for ceasefires to enable aid delivery and civilian evacuations.
   • Support independent investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian law.

Past UN Action

• Security Council Resolutions:

  • While Russia’s veto has blocked strong UNSC resolutions condemning the invasion since 2022, the Council has passed procedural and humanitarian-related resolutions in earlier phases of the conflict.
  • The General Assembly adopted resolutions condemning the invasion and affirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity, but these are outside the Council’s remit.

• Human Rights Council Reports:

  • Regular reports documenting alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Ukraine have been issued.

• UN Secretary-General Statements:

  • Calls for immediate ceasefire, respect for international law, and humanitarian corridors have been consistent.

• UN Humanitarian Appeals:

  • Coordinated appeals for funding to address the massive displacement and humanitarian needs inside Ukraine and neighboring countries.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can the Security Council effectively facilitate a durable ceasefire and de-escalation of hostilities?
2. What mechanisms should be established or strengthened to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Ukraine?
3. How can accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and potential war crimes be ensured within the UN framework?
4. What role should the UN and regional organizations like the OSCE play in monitoring and verifying compliance with ceasefire agreements?
5. How can the Council support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while promoting conditions for negotiated political settlement?
6. What measures can be taken to mitigate the broader regional and global security and economic impacts of the conflict?
7. How should the Security Council address the challenges posed by the use of veto power in relation to this conflict?

Further Reading

• UN Documents:

  • Official Security Council meeting records, Secretary-General reports on Ukraine, and Human Rights Council findings provide authoritative insights into the UN’s engagement and the legal framework surrounding the conflict.

• Think-Tank Reports:

  • Analyses from institutions such as the International Crisis Group, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and the Council on Foreign Relations offer detailed assessments of military developments, diplomatic efforts, and possible conflict resolution pathways.

• News Outlets:

  • Reputable international media sources like BBC, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and The New York Times provide up-to-date coverage and investigative journalism on the evolving situation, humanitarian conditions, and international reactions.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the Security Council’s challenges and opportunities regarding Ukraine in 2025, fostering informed debate and constructive resolution drafting.