Threats to International Peace and Security -…

Preventing the diversion of arms transferred to Ukraine is essential for security and stability in that country and beyond, a senior United Nations disarmament official told the Security Council today, as members alternately called for dialogue over proliferation or underscored Ukraine’s right to defend itself from the permanent member that requested the meeting.

Adedeji Ebo, Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, reported that information about transfers of weapons systems and ammunition to Ukraine — which has continued since the Council last met on this topic — is available in open sources. 

Noting that the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms remains a key tool as it helps track the influx of weapons into conflict zones, he also pointed out that States have established several arms-control instruments to prevent the diversion of such arms and regulate the international arms trade.

In the ensuing discussion, some Council members spotlighted the Russian Federation’s status as the aggressor and underscored that arms transfers to Ukraine support Kyiv’s right to defend itself pursuant to Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. Others expressed concern that arms proliferation risks escalating the conflict and diverting weapons to unintended destinations or recipients. Still others spotlighted the conflict’s toll on civilians, stressing that negotiation is necessary for peace as transfers of lethal weapons only fuel violence.

The meeting began at 3:03 p.m. and ended at 4:32 p.m.