Security Council Background Guide

Topic: Ukraine

Conference Year: 2026

Topic Background

The conflict in Ukraine remains one of the most pressing and complex issues on the Security Council’s agenda in 2026. The crisis began in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the subsequent armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists. Despite multiple ceasefires and diplomatic efforts, including the Minsk agreements, the conflict escalated dramatically in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This marked a significant turning point, leading to widespread international condemnation, severe humanitarian consequences, and a reconfiguration of global security dynamics.

The war has caused massive displacement, civilian casualties, and destruction of infrastructure, severely impacting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It has also triggered a series of sanctions against Russia by Western countries and raised serious concerns about violations of international law, including the principles of state sovereignty and the prohibition of the use of force.

By 2026, the conflict remains unresolved with ongoing hostilities in eastern and southern Ukraine, complicated by issues such as territorial control, security guarantees, reconstruction, and the political future of contested regions. The Security Council continues to grapple with how to effectively address these challenges amid deep divisions among its permanent members, particularly between Russia and Western powers. The topic remains urgent due to the persistent humanitarian crisis, risks of escalation, and implications for international peace and security.

Key Actors

States

• Ukraine: The primary state affected, seeking restoration of its territorial integrity, security guarantees, and international support against Russian aggression.
• Russia: The aggressor state, asserting security concerns and geopolitical interests, controlling parts of eastern and southern Ukraine.
• United States: A leading supporter of Ukraine, providing military aid, sanctions against Russia, and advocating for strong international responses.
• European Union Member States (notably Germany, France, Poland): Key actors in diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and economic sanctions; Germany and France have historically played roles in Minsk negotiations.
• China: A significant global power maintaining a cautious stance, calling for dialogue and often opposing Western sanctions, while balancing its strategic ties with Russia.
• Turkey: Engaged diplomatically and militarily, balancing relations with Ukraine, Russia, and NATO interests.
• Belarus: A close Russian ally, facilitating Russian military logistics and facing its own international scrutiny.

International Organizations

• United Nations (UN): The Security Council is the primary UN body addressing peace and security; the General Assembly and Human Rights Council are also involved in related debates.
• Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE): Plays a monitoring role through the Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, reporting on ceasefire violations and security conditions.
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): Supports Ukraine indirectly through military assistance and deterrence measures against Russia, while not a direct party to the conflict.
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Active in humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians in conflict zones.

Bloc Positions

1. Western Bloc (United States, United Kingdom, European Union members)

• Strongly condemns Russian aggression and violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
• Supports Ukraine’s right to self-defense and calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces.
• Advocates for robust sanctions against Russia and increased military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
• Emphasizes accountability for war crimes and human rights violations.
• Supports diplomatic efforts but remains skeptical of Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith.

2. Russia and Allies (Russia, Belarus, some other states aligned with Russia)

• Denies responsibility for aggression, framing the conflict as a defensive or protective measure.
• Opposes Western sanctions and accuses NATO of provoking instability.
• Calls for recognition of “self-declared” entities in eastern Ukraine or autonomy arrangements.
• Rejects demands for full withdrawal and insists on security guarantees preventing NATO expansion.
• Often vetoes or blocks Security Council resolutions perceived as biased against Russia.

3. Non-Aligned and Developing States (India, South Africa, Brazil, ASEAN countries)

• Generally call for peaceful resolution through dialogue and respect for sovereignty of all parties.
• Often emphasize the humanitarian impact and urge cessation of hostilities.
• Tend to avoid taking sides explicitly, advocating for neutrality and multilateral diplomacy.
• Some express concern about the precedent of sanctions and their global economic impact.

4. China and Select Global South Countries

• Promote principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity but stress non-interference.
• Advocate for dialogue and peaceful negotiation without external coercion.
• Cautious about supporting sanctions or military assistance that might escalate the conflict.
• Emphasize the need for respect of international law broadly but often highlight Western double standards.

Past UN Action

• Resolution 2202 (2015): Endorsed the Minsk II agreement aimed at ceasefire and political settlement.
• Resolution 2623 (2022): Condemned the invasion, called for immediate withdrawal of Russian forces (note: Russia vetoed this in the Security Council; adopted in General Assembly).
• Regular reports from the UN Secretary-General: Document humanitarian situation, violations of international law, and UN humanitarian operations.
• Security Council debates and statements: Reflect ongoing divisions, with Russia exercising veto power on resolutions critical of its actions.
• Human Rights Council resolutions: Address violations and call for investigations into war crimes.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can the Security Council effectively support a ceasefire and de-escalation of hostilities in Ukraine?
2. What mechanisms can be established or strengthened to ensure respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity?
3. How can the Council facilitate humanitarian access and protection for civilians affected by the conflict?
4. What role should the UN and other international organizations play in monitoring and verifying compliance with ceasefire agreements?
5. How can the Council address accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses?
6. What steps can be taken to support post-conflict reconstruction and political reconciliation in Ukraine?
7. How should the Council respond to the challenges posed by veto power in addressing this conflict effectively?

Further Reading

UN Documents

• Security Council meeting records and presidential statements on Ukraine.
• Reports from the UN Secretary-General on the situation in Ukraine.
• Human Rights Council reports on violations and investigations related to the conflict.

Think-Tank Reports

• Policy analyses from institutions such as the International Crisis Group, Chatham House, and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace focusing on conflict dynamics, diplomacy, and security implications.
• Studies on sanctions effectiveness, humanitarian impact, and post-conflict scenarios.

News Outlets

• Comprehensive coverage from reputable international news sources like Reuters, BBC, and Al Jazeera, providing up-to-date developments, expert commentary, and on-the-ground reporting.
• Analysis pieces from specialized media such as Foreign Policy and The Economist for geopolitical context.

This background guide aims to provide delegates with a nuanced understanding of the Ukraine topic on the Security Council agenda, highlighting the complexities, key stakeholders, and diplomatic challenges that will shape debate and resolution drafting in 2026.