The UN’s descent: From peacekeeper to bystander

The recent actions of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reflect a dramatic shift in his leadership, calling into question his commitment to the principles that the United Nations was founded upon.

His visit to Russia to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, coupled with a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlights this concerning trajectory.

This marks Guterres’ first meeting with Putin since April 2022, shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While the world watches in dismay as the conflict drags on, Guterres' actions suggest he is legitimizing a regime widely condemned for its aggression and violations of international law.

Guterres' decision to engage with Russia, a nation that continues its brutal assault on Ukraine, undermines the UN's foundational principles of peace and security. Instead of standing with Ukraine, a sovereign nation defending itself from an illegal invasion, Guterres’ actions signal a dangerous appeasement. 

In doing so, he effectively gives Putin a platform to further his narrative, justifying Russia’s actions. This is a betrayal, not only to Ukraine but also to the global community that the UN is supposed to represent.

Moreover, Guterres has come under fire for his failure to confront terrorism. He has refused to label Hamas as a terrorist organization, despite their well-documented acts of violence. Hamas has been responsible for countless attacks on civilians, and yet, Guterres’ silence on this issue speaks volumes. 

His support of UNRWA, an agency accused of enabling anti-Israel propaganda in Gaza, only compounds his failure to address terrorism head-on. Recent reports have implicated UNRWA employees in the October 7th massacre in Israel, yet the Secretary-General has remained disturbingly quiet on this matter.

Condemnations for Israel: A One-Sided Critique

While he has been mute on the Iranian missile attacks against Israel and Hezbollah's violations of UN Resolution 1701, Guterres has repeatedly condemned Israel for its supposed "repeated aggressions" against UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon. This one-sided critique has alienated Israel, a key player in maintaining Middle Eastern stability. Guterres has conveniently ignored the fact that UNIFIL has failed to disarm Hezbollah or prevent its military presence near Israel's borders, as required by international law.

What is even more alarming is the growing influence that countries like Russia, China, and Iran seem to wield over Guterres’ decisions. Instead of acting as an impartial leader, the Secretary-General appears increasingly beholden to the Global South, alienating Western democracies and undermining the UN's credibility. His failure to uphold the values of democracy, human rights, and international law reflects a broader deterioration in the UN's leadership.

No Accountability in Sight

Tragically, there is no mechanism within the UN system to hold Guterres accountable for his actions. He will remain in his position until the end of his term on December 31, 2026, leaving the international community to endure the consequences of his increasingly controversial decisions. 

By aligning with authoritarian regimes and failing to address terrorism and conflict impartially, Guterres risks further diminishing the UN’s role as a beacon of global peace and cooperation.