Moscow Warns Riga Against Unilateral Exploitation of UN Security Council Presidency

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova issued a statement marking the beginning of Latvia’s monthly rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council, urging Riga to pursue a prudent and constructive policy during this tenure.

Strongly criticizing Latvia’s stance on the Ukraine crisis, the senior Russian diplomat stated that as a staunch supporter of Kyiv, the Baltic nation bears a direct responsibility for prolonging the ongoing conflict.

Zakharova further emphasized that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Moscow will resolutely stand against and counter any aggressive maneuvers or moves targeting its national interests.

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson characterized Latvian officials’ stated goals and priorities for their presidency as evidence of Riga’s attempt to exploit the international organization’s tools for narrow, self-serving objectives.

Latvia assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for the first time on November 1, 2026, holding the responsibility through the end of the month. The presidency rotates monthly in alphabetical order among member states. In outlining its agenda, the Latvian Foreign Ministry highlighted support for Ukraine, upholding international law and the UN Charter, and addressing emerging security crises as its key priorities for the term.