The Ukraine Conflict and the Crisis of Multilateralism: Deadlocks, Reactions, and New Global Balances (2014–2025)

Following Ukraine’s declaration of independence in 1991, the country faced significant identity conflicts stemming from the presence of a large number of Russian speakers in certain regions, as well as from its historical ties to Moscow. The arrival of Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin in 2000 only served to heighten tensions: popular protests such as Euromaidan and the subsequent invasion of the Crimean Peninsula—which triggered the war in Donbas—are clear indicators of this escalation. However, the Ukrainian conflict, which escalated dramatically on February 24, 2022, cannot be understood solely as a dispute over territory and identity, but rather as a confrontation between two opposing models: that of liberal democracy, embodied by the EU and NATO, and the Russian authoritarian and revisionist model.

As the confrontation between Ukraine and Russia has intensified, one might expect international organizations responsible for safeguarding peace and security to have stepped up their actions. While this has indeed occurred to some extent, it is equally true that one of the most relevant institutions in this regard—the United Nations Security Council—has been severely constrained, a direct consequence of the veto power held by certain countries.

This paper seeks to analyze how both permanent and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council have responded to this armed conflict, with a particular focus on the resolutions that have been proposed, passed, or blocked by veto. It also aims to highlight the increasingly prominent role assumed by the General Assembly in the face of the Council’s inaction. Additionally, it offers some initial reflections on the behavior of Global South countries and the BRICS group, whose positions provide insight into how international relations are likely to evolve in an increasingly multipolar world