The draft resolution has been moulded in a bid to rally several countries that have appeared sceptical, including Russia, China and France. Revised wording no longer explicitly invokes Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which allows the Security Council to authorise armed force to restore peace. It is not certain that Russia and China – who both wield veto powers – will back the draft resolution. Considering the possible Russian and Chinese vetoes, the text “faces tall odds to make it through the Security Council”, Daniel Forti, an analyst at International Crisis Group, told AFP. Security Council mandates authorising member states to use force are relatively rare.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 03, 2026 14:21 UTC