Strikes by the United States and its allies on Yemen are a violation of the UN Charter, and they can’t be justified, Moscow’s envoy to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, told a Security Council meeting on Friday, as reported by Russian TV network RT.
Moscow urgently convened a United Nations Security Council meeting following attacks by the US and UK on alleged Houthi military positions in Yemen.
The US, citing Houthi threats to shipping routes, launched additional strikes, including one targeting a Houthi radar site.
The Russian diplomat criticised the coalition’s actions, asserting that they violate Article 2 of the UN Charter. He highlighted the absence of a legitimate mandate for bombing Yemen and questioned the application of the right to self-defense, particularly when conducted far from one’s borders.
The diplomat expressed concern that the US, disregarding international law, will further deteriorate the already volatile situation in the Middle East.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield argued that the strikes aimed to disrupt and degrade the Houthis’ ability to attack vessels and commercial shipping. British Ambassador Susan Woodward defended the action, stating it was limited, necessary, and proportionate in self-defence.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden faced criticism from lawmakers for not seeking Congress’s permission for the military operation.
The West appears divided on the joint attack, with only Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and South Korea backing the sorties. The situation raises concerns about the potential escalation of tensions in the region.
