Zelensky Urges UN to Apply Sanctions on Russia Following Iran Measures

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the restoration of UN sanctions against Iran and called for applying similar measures against Russia to strengthen the global nuclear order. The head of state announced this in his Telegram channel.

According to him, Iran had for a long time ignored calls from the IAEA and the international community, undermining the nuclear order and threatening stability in the region.

“This must become a global rule: every time someone undermines or threatens international peace and security, strict sanctions should be imposed immediately”

The head of state also noted that Russia is acting in unison with Iran: he recalled the invasion and seizure of Ukraine’s nuclear power plant with nuclear materials, turning the facility into a global nuclear threat.

“Reckless regimes that ignore basic norms of international law and pursue ambitions that threaten nuclear safety must receive a united and strong international response”

In addition, he noted that strengthening the international nuclear order requires “firm state and collective pressure on Russia, as well as sanctions against its nuclear sector”.

Context and Global Reaction

What preceded it: after initiatives by the United Kingdom, France and Germany, the UN Security Council renewed the arms embargo and a number of other sanctions against Iran that had been imposed for violations of the 2015 nuclear deal.

It is noted that Security Council sanctions, which were in effect from 2006 to 2010, were renewed as of September 27. They include bans on uranium enrichment and reprocessing, restrictions on the use of ballistic missiles, and a ban on arms supplies to Iran.

Also, asset freezes of dozens of Iranian officials and companies were introduced, travel restrictions for some individuals, and restrictions on Iran’s participation in international uranium projects.

On September 28, Iran reacted to the restoration of sanctions: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the UN Secretary-General to prevent the resumption of the sanctions enforcement mechanisms against Tehran.

Such a development underscores the key role of multilateral institutions in supporting nuclear security and deterring aggressive behavior, and also defines the direction of international sanctions policy in the near term.