The Russia-US divide was on display during Moscow’s monthlong presidency of the UN Security Council

UNITED NATIONS — Whether it’s Gaza, Ukraine, Syria or a new world order, it’s been Russia versus the United States and the West during Moscow’s presidency of the Security Council this month, with the growing divide on vivid display. “As the president of the Security Council, I am compelled to thank the United States for his statement,” a clearly angry Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s deputy ambassador, said in response to critical remarks from Wood about Russia at a meeting Monday on Syria. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield countered by accusing Russia of “willfully and flagrantly violating the core tenets of the United Nations Charter: territorial integrity, respect for human rights, international cooperation.” Britain’s Ambassador Barbara Woodward was equally tough: “While you tell us how you believe the world order can become more just, democratic and sustainable, your military is systematically bombing civilians in Ukraine in an unprovoked war of aggression, and in flagrant violation of the U.N. Charter.” France’s top U.N. diplomat, Nicolas de Riviere, compared Russia to “a pyromaniac firefighter.” “It calls for a more just world order but is multiplying its violations of the Charter and jeopardizing our collective security,” de Riviere said. At the council meeting on Syria, Russia accused the United States and its allies of attempting to destabilize the country with their “illegal presence.” Wood accused Russia and its close ally Syria of obstructing efforts to end the country’s 13-year civil war. “As long as Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, in clear violation of the U.N. Charter, any effort to portray itself as a responsible permanent member of the council will be viewed with the utmost of skepticism.” The Crisis Group’s Gowan said the Russians “are specialists at both delivering incendiary speeches and pulling diplomatic stunts in the Security Council, and have delivered both this month.” He pointed to Lavrov’s often repeated denunciations of U.S. global dominance and Russia’s “stunt” of inviting Austria’s Kneissel to brief, which “has caused some mischief.” Gowan said Russia likes to signal that it will not let its “struggles” with the U.S. and its European allies disrupt council business.