But Brazil’s mission is one of the most complex and difficult for foreign ambassadors to implement. With the war in Ukraine, Americans, Europeans, Russians and Chinese are experiencing a breakdown in dialogue channels, with farreaching implications for the work of the entire Council. In many cases the organ is paralyzed and excluded.
Last week the scale of the crisis became clear when Russian and Ukrainian ministers left the room and each other took the floor to talk about the war. As one spoke, the rest of the delegation remaining in the room made a point of looking at their cell phones, demonstrating that they weren’t paying attention.
In recent months, Russia’s veto power has left the body unable to make decisions on the war.
Document speaks of “revitalization” of the Council
In a document sent by Brazil to other countries, the government proposed holding a special session on October 20 on a new profile of the council. Until then, behindthescenes diplomacy will try to build bridges and engage in dialogue, both with the Russians and with the West.
The text that Itamaraty sent to the other delegations warned that the “search for peace is a collective duty.” “We must work to revitalize the Security Council,” the document says.