Russia has thrown its weight behind calls to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), days after President William Ruto renewed Africa’s demand for permanent representation at the world’s most powerful decision-making body.
In remarks delivered during the African Union’s “Committee of Ten” summit held on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York, Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyanskiy, reaffirmed Moscow’s long-standing support for expanding the Council to better reflect today’s geopolitical realities.
“For Russia, this is a matter of exceptional importance,” said Polyanskiy. “We are convinced that the Security Council must reflect the multipolar structure of the world and not remind us of a colonial past.”
Polyanskiy highlighted several key positions that Russia holds regarding UNSC reform.
Russia on African countries being included in the UNSC
According to the Deputy Permanent Representative, Russia supports the inclusion of more countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America in the United Nations Security Council.
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He emphasized that while the Council should be expanded to reflect the current global order, it must also remain compact and effective in its operations.
Polyanskiy further underscored the importance of the veto power held by the five permanent members, stating that it is essential for maintaining balance and ensuring realistic, consensus-driven decision-making within the Council.
He also reiterated Russia’s commitment to Africa, describing the country as a close and reliable partner of African states and affirming Moscow’s pledge to continue supporting the continent’s interests on the global stage.
“The UNSC must reflect a multipolar world, not a colonial past. Veto is a guarantee of balance. Russia remains a reliable partner of Africa,” Polyanskiy added.
This strong endorsement from Moscow comes just days after President Ruto delivered a pointed message on UNSC reform, insisting that Africa’s prolonged exclusion from permanent membership is both “unacceptable and indefensible.”
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Ruto’s push
Speaking during the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten (C-10) Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council Reform—convened by Sierra Leone—Ruto described the status quo as a “historic injustice” that must be corrected to make the United Nations “fit for purpose.”
“Africa’s exclusion from the United Nations Security Council is unacceptable and indefensible. We must correct this historic injustice to make the UN fit for purpose,” Ruto said in a statement on X.
“African leaders must amplify Africa’s voice across all platforms, unite behind fair representation, and defend the Common African Position. Kenya will fully support this so Africa’s demands are no longer deferred.”
The Head of State also emphasized that as Africa presses for inclusion, the continent must be prepared to take on the responsibilities that come with permanent membership, including agreeing on how to select its representatives.
Currently, there are 15 members on the UNSC, comprising 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members. The permanent members are China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States. On the other hand, he 10 non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly.
The Security Council’s primary role is to maintain international peace and security, and its decisions are legally binding on all United Nations Member States.
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