Headline RoundupJanuary 31st, 2022

Russian, American and Ukrainian Diplomats Clash at UN Security Council

Summary from the AllSides News Team

Diplomats from Russia, the U.S. and Ukraine had harsh words for each other at a Monday meeting of the United Nations Security Council. 

Russia maintained its military buildup around Ukraine on Monday, as Ukrainians prepared for war with weapons sent by the U.S. and other Western countries. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Russia’s actions struck “at the very heart of the U.N. charter,” adding, “And they are attempting, without any factual basis, to paint Ukraine and Western countries as the aggressors to fabricate a pretext for attack.” Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya accused the U.S. of “whipping up tensions and rhetoric and provoking escalation,” saying, “You want it to happen.” Nebenzya left the room when Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya spoke. The Security Council adjourned after two hours of open debate and produced no actions or statements. Also on Monday, President Joe Biden and senators from both parties reiterated plans to implement “severe” sanctions on Russia if it invades Ukraine. Meanwhile, French and Russian leaders said they made “positive progress” in bilateral talks.

Some coverage engaged in sensationalism; the New York Times (Lean Left) called the U.N. debate a “bitter diplomatic brawl,” and several outlets used phrasing like “faced off,” “squared off” and “clashed.” Right-rated outlets were less likely to publish original coverage of this story. 

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