Russia blocks renewal of UN panel monitoring North Korea sanctions

Russia's actions at the United Nations (UN) have been criticized for undermining international peace and security. Specifically, Russia vetoed the renewal of a UN panel monitoring North Korea's compliance with international sanctions. This decision has ended the UN's monitoring of North Korea's adherence to these sanctions as of April 30. The United States and Ukraine have criticized this move, with the State Department calling it a "self-interested effort" to bury the panel's reporting on Russia's own alleged collusion with North Korea. South Korea has also accused Pyongyang of supplying Moscow with weapons for use in its war in Ukraine. Despite the veto, the sanctions against North Korea that have been in place since 2006 will remain. The differing perspectives on this issue are evident in the statements from the United States and Ukraine characterizing Russia's actions as a guilty plea and a self-interested effort, respectively.