Ukraine Calls for Ban on Russian Military in UN Missions Citing Sexual Crimes Allegations

Ukraine has demanded that Russian armed forces be prohibited from participating in any United Nations operations, citing documented cases of sexual crimes committed by Russian troops in Ukraine. The call was made by Ukrainian Permanent Representative to the UN, Andriy Melnyk, during an emergency UN Security Council meeting on June 8.

Ukraine's Appeal to the UN Security Council

Addressing the Security Council, Melnyk emphasized that Russian forces, recently named by the UN Secretary-General in reports related to conflict-associated sexual violence, should not be allowed to serve in UN peacekeeping or police missions.

"Armed forces included again by the Secretary-General in the list for sexual violence related to the conflict cannot and should not participate in any UN operations. Russian personnel should be banned from participating in UN peacekeeping and police missions," Melnyk stated.

He also sharply criticized Russia’s UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya, who had dismissed the annual UN report on sexual crimes by Russian military as an attempt to discredit Russia.

This appeal follows a UN report published in late May that placed the Russian military on a blacklist for the first time, documenting incidents of rape and other sexual offenses against prisoners of war and civilians detained during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Melnyk further proposed that Russia consider withdrawing from the United Nations if it continues to reject the General Assembly’s resolutions and the conclusions of UN bodies. "Perhaps it is time to say goodbye and leave the UN," he remarked during the session.

Context and Recent Escalations

The emergency Security Council meeting was convened at Ukraine’s request following a significant increase in Russian attacks. On the night of June 2, Russian forces launched one of the most intense strikes since the full-scale invasion began. Ukrainian authorities report that at least 22 people were killed in Kyiv and Dnipro, with over 100 injured nationwide, many in the Kyiv region.

Melnyk also highlighted Russia’s refusal to engage in conflict resolution, noting Ukraine's proposal for a meeting of the two nations’ leaders on neutral ground was rejected by President Vladimir Putin, who reportedly responded with repeated refusals.

As the war continues, Ukraine's call to exclude Russia from UN peacekeeping missions underscores growing international concerns about Russia’s conduct and the integrity of UN operations.