Russia's UN Security Council Presidency: October 2025 Program and Key Issues

October Presidency Overview

• 🗓️ Russia's presidency of the UN Security Council in October 2025 features a packed agenda, including mandated discussions and the adoption of resolutions.
• 🌍 A significant event will be the council's travel to Addis Ababa for an annual joint consultative meeting with the African Union's Peace and Security Council.

Signature Events and Mandated Meetings

• 💥 The presidency will host an open debate on the Middle East, with a focus on the situation in Gaza, on October 23rd.
• 🇺🇳 October 24th marks the UN's 80th anniversary, celebrated with an open debate titled "UN looking into the future" to reaffirm the UN's relevance.
• 🕊️ On October 6th, an open debate on Women, Peace, and Security will commemorate the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, featuring UN Secretary-General and civil society briefers.
• 🇨🇴 The month begins with a briefing on Colombia on October 3rd, followed by discussions on cooperation between the UN and the African Union on October 7th.

Regional Focus and Sanctions

• 🇸🇴 A private meeting on Somalia and al-Shabaab sanctions is scheduled for October 8th.
• 🇾🇪 Consultations on Yemen and the UN Disengagement Observer Force are planned for October 9th.
• 🇪🇭 The council will address the Great Lakes region, Lebanon, and Libya throughout the month.
• 🇷🇺 Russia's stance on the JCPOA and sanctions against Iran is that the "snapback" mechanism is illegitimate, and for Russia, Resolution 2231 expires in October 2025.

International Law and Future of the UN

• ⚖️ International Law Week will include a private meeting on October 29th with the ICJ President.
• 📝 A draft Presidential Statement (PRST) is planned for the UN anniversary debate to affirm the UN's indispensable role.
• 🌍 The UN is seen as a reflection of the global geopolitical situation, with member states bearing responsibility for its effectiveness, not just the secretariat.
• 🇺🇸 Discussions on cooperation with the new US Ambassador, Mike Waltz, are expected across various Security Council issues, including Syria and the situation in Gaza.

Key Issues and Stances

• 🇺🇦 Regarding Ukraine, Russia stated it would accommodate a meeting request if submitted formally, while noting the absence of specific Ukraine-related meetings in the initial program.
• 🇰🇵 Russia acknowledges North Korea's de facto nuclear status, citing security threats and constitutional reality, while not explicitly recognizing it as a nuclear power.
• 🇮🇷 Russia maintains that the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and subsequent actions by European countries undermine the agreement, leading to differing interpretations of sanctions.
• 🚀 The selection process for the next UN Secretary-General is planned to be initiated during Russia's presidency, with a joint letter from the Security Council and General Assembly presidents.