Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to CHSMUNC 2017! My name is Dina Eloseily, and I will be the chair of this year's UNSC committee. I am currently a senior at Centennial High School and have participated in MUN since my freshman year. In the Model UN club, I am a second-year board member and am currently serving as the Under-Secretary General. I have attended seven conferences thus far, including CHSMUNC, JHUMUNC, and BAMUNC and I am looking forward to attending more in the future!

My name is Lily Dondoshansky and I will be your UNSC co-chair for this year. I am a senior at Centennial High School and have been involved in MUN since my sophomore year. I have attended six MUN conferences in total, including CHSMUNC, JHUMUNC, and BAMUNC, all of which have been wonderful opportunities for me. I am also involved in Model Congress and attended Harvard Model Congress last year. Though it is my first time co-chairing a committee, I’m looking forward to yet another great CHSMUNC experience!

Ukraine has been in a state of crisis for years now, and although several nations within the UN have attempted to intervene, the people in rebel-held areas are still suffering. As fighting continues in 2017, it is crucial that the United Nations Security Council look for a solution and help restore peace in the conflict-ridden region. This task will require the participation and hard work of all fifteen member nations. Since this is a crisis committee, all delegates should be prepared to deal with unexpected crises along the way. We are looking forward to leading the debate on one of the most salient crises of our day and seeing the different ideas the delegates will bring! Sincerely, Dina Eloseily Lily Dondoshansky CHSMUNC 2017 Committee Co-Chairs

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 1

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

Introduction to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

Considered by many as the UN’s most powerful and influential body, the Security Council holds the crucial responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. The Security Council was first created after World War II on October 24, 1945, by the U.S.S.R (now the Russian Federation), China, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. These nations are also the five out of fifteen total member states that are permanent to the council. Unlike the ten non-permanent members, the five permanent member states have the power to veto a resolution. If a permanent member does not support a resolution, but does not desire to veto, the member may abstain. The other ten members are chosen by the General Assembly for two-year terms. It is the responsibility of the council to discuss and provide solutions to prevalent issues and threats to peace, including natural disasters, civil wars, terrorism, and arms control. When a conflict arises, one of the first actions taken by the council is an investigation of the crisis, which may be done by appointing representatives and executing missions. If the situation worsens, the council may choose to release directives as a primary means of control, as well as issue a peacekeeping group or military observers to the targeted area. Other efforts include imposing economic sanctions, travel bans, and financial restrictions, commissioning military action or blockade, and even severing relations with specific nations. The powers granted to the UN Security Council and the purposes for which they are used demonstrate the truly vital role the Council plays in maintaining global safety and peace.

During this committee, you will be using methods specific to crisis committees: directives, portfolio requests, communiques, and press releases. A directive is a concise statement containing only operative clauses that specifies actions the committee wants to carry out. Similar to a directive is a portfolio request, but while it is written in the same format, it is private, executed by a single member, and does not need to be voted on. Portfolio requests can only be granted if the desired action is in the power of the council member in real life. While directives and portfolio requests are involved in the internal flow of the committee, communiques and press releases are used to communicate with external groups. A communique is a message from the committee as a whole to another organization. For instance, a communique may be used to negotiate or request aid. Similarly, press releases are used when the committee

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 2

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

wishes to make an announcement to the people, perhaps to sway public opinion or cause outrage. It is important that you are familiar with the functions of a crisis committee. However, we will be happy to answer any questions and guide you throughout the committee, if necessary. Topic: Ukrainian Crisis

Due to its location between Russia and western Europe, Ukraine has a long and tumultuous history of ethnic division based on the differing influences on its culture. Whereas the eastern and southern areas of Ukraine have had a fairly consistent relationship with Russia, the west has been historically subject to European authority. The tensions within the nation led to an eventual crisis, when, on November 21, 2013, Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign a promised trade deal with the European Union, in hopes of strengthening ties with Russia. Yanukovych’s decision was deeply criticized by the pro-European western and northern people of Ukraine, sparking a series of protests against his clearly pro-Russian actions. Tensions boiled over in late February when a gunfight between protesters and police in Maidan Square left multiple dozens dead. Two days later, Yanukovych fled office.

Since then, several occurrences have deepened the division between eastern and western Ukraine. On March 1, 2014, the Russian parliament authorized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s request to send troops into Crimea, a coastal region geographically connected to Ukraine with strong Russian sympathies. That same day, Russian-speaking troops in unmarked uniforms marched into the peninsula, eventually seizing full control of Crimea. Weeks later, Russia announced its annexation of the peninsula, backed by a referendum supposedly declaring the Crimeans’ desire to become a part of Russia. Since these events, many nations around the world have denounced the legitimacy of the referendum. As violence between pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainians tears apart the region, civilian lives are put at stake.

Several historical, cultural, economic, and political reasons explain Russia’s interest in Ukraine. Kiev was the central city of the Kievan Rus, and thus a key location for Russia’s cultural history. Eastern Ukraine was also within Russian borders for multiple centuries, under both the Russian Empire and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Because of their historical ties to Russia, eastern and southern Ukraine have been linguistically and culturally Russian as well, while western and northern portions have retained a strong Ukrainian identity and language. Economically, Russia requires connections with Ukraine for access to their pipelines. Ukraine is itself a major market for Russian gas, and its pipes deliver gas to an even

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 3

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

greater market: the European Union. Russia also desires the creation of a Eurasian Union and a revitalization of what was once the Soviet Bloc, a tie that cannot be created without Ukraine due to its size, historical connection to Russia, and position near the EU. Added to everything, the color revolutions of the former USSR (Georgia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan) incite fear in Russian officials who worry that the protests of nearby countries will inspire similar events within Russia itself. Thus, Russia’s interference in Ukraine is also a clear attempt to prevent western nations from encroaching on the former Soviet Bloc and from impacting their own political system.

Despite the considerable turmoil since the start of the crisis, little has been done to resolve the issues seen in Ukraine today. The conflict has only escalated, leaving unrest and violence ever-present throughout Ukraine and Crimea. Ukraine-Russia History Kievan Rus

The ties that Russia claims to Ukraine trace back to the ninth century and the foundation of what is called the Kievan Rus. Before this time, the areas of modern day Ukraine and Russia were most permanently settled by the Slavs, which split into southern, western, and eastern branches. The clearest documentation of the Kievan Rus, The Primary Chronicle, describes a Scandinavian Varangian named Rurik establishing himself as prince in Novgorod. After his death, Rurik’s descendants would continue to expand the Kievan Rus, forming ties with the Byzantine Empire, Poland, France, and Norway through arranged marriages and accepting Orthodox Christianity as the official religion.

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 4

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

The Slavic-Varangian clan that ruled over the Kievan Rus lead it into the twelfth century, but eventually fragmented as various leaders fought for factional interests. After the Fourth Crusade sacked Constantinople, effectively cutting trade route ties, the once unified state splintered into three major regions: Ukrainians in the southeast and southwest, Belorussians in the northwest, and Russians in the north and northeast.

The ultimate end of the Kievan Rus came in the thirteenth century with the coming of the Mongols. Included in the lands conquered by the Mongols were the areas of Ukraine and Crimea. The invasion resulted in the establishment of the Golden Horde and the destruction of major cities like Kiev, leaving room for Muscovy to come to prominence. As the Muscovite ruled east into the Russian Empire, the western Ukrainians came under the eventual control of Polish and Lithuanian powers, establishing the basis for the cultural differences seen between Russians and Ukrainians today. Eastern Ukraine, Crimea, and the Emerging Ukrainian Identity

By the seventeenth century, most of modern-day Ukraine was split by the Dnieper River between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Russian Empire. In 1654, the Russian tsar accepted the eastern Ukrainian Zaporozhian Cossacks and their lands after their split from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Throughout the next century and a half, much of Ukraine would be absorbed into the Empire, both geographically and culturally. The Russian tsars forced the Russification of the Ukrainians, belittling them and demanding assimilation, especially linguistically. Despite these efforts, the Ukrainian identity and language remained.

The Crimean Peninsula, unlike eastern Ukraine, became particularly valuable to more than just Russia during this time frame, largely due to its advantageous location along the Black Sea. After the decline of the Mongols in the fourteenth century, their Turkic descendants, called Tatars, settled in Crimea and established the Crimean Khanate, a protectorate for the Ottoman Empire and center for the slave trade. The land remained under their rule through the mid-eighteenth century, when Catherine the Great came to power in Russia and, like many European rulers of her time, decided to expand her empire. Catherine saw the weakening Ottoman Empire as an opportunity to push her reach all the way to Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) and eventually Jerusalem, a vision she called ‘Novorossiya.’ The annexation of Crimea in 1783 was to be Catherine’s gateway to the rest of the Ottoman Empire’s lands along the Black Sea. Eighty years later, Crimea became the center for three years of fighting between France, Britain, Sardinia, and the allied Ottoman and Russian Empires. The war reigned bloody

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 5

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

havoc over the peninsula, leaving it devastated by the end and still in Russia’s power, despite their being on the losing side.

It is important to note that, while Crimea and eastern Ukraine were dragged into Russian affairs, western Ukraine remained untouched by tsars. Instead, it became a part of the Habsburg ruled Austro-Hungarian Empire. Taking a different direction with its new subjects, Austria did not force Ukrainian assimilation. The Ukrainians on the European side were acknowledged as their own ethnic group and even granted the opportunity for political participation, which resulted in an educated Ukrainian clergy. The Austrian leaders encouraged intellectuals to reach out to the peasantry, partly to counterbalance the influence of wealthy, upper class Poles. They pushed for an education system in the Ukrainians’ own language, and eventually the division between east and west became apparent with the creation of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. With two differing religions, the two sides of Ukraine seemed almost unrecognizable to one another. World War I and the Soviet Union

When World War I and the Russian Civil War collapsed the Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires, two Ukrainian states came to exist independently of larger powers for a brief few years- the Ukrainian People’s Republic with a capital in Kiev and the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic in Galicia. When the two crossed over, they found themselves possessing startlingly different political and cultural views.

Russia’s preoccupation with its own political struggles didn’t last long. Eventually, the Red Army seized Ukraine and Crimea, declaring the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1922. Crimea, however, was not a part of Ukraine at this time. Rather, it became the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, a separate state within the USSR. The Bolshevik government of the twenties understood that, despite Russian being the most widely spoken language in the Ukrainian state, the people were not ethnically or culturally Russian. Thus, they promoted a policy of “indigenization,” seeking to support Ukrainian language, culture, education, and access to local leadership positions. A large part of the reason for the Bolshevik push to underline Ukrainian culture was Poland’s possession of Galicia.

Under Josef Stalin, indigenization was rapidly turned around, and Ukraine faced many of the same issues seen in the other Soviet Republics. Stalin’s collectivization programs displaced and dispossessed Ukrainians, and in 1932 the man-made famine called “Holodomor” killed an estimated 3 million people living within its borders. To make up for the lost population, Russian

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 6

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

speakers were sent in to fill the empty towns and cities. By 1945, Stalin had successfully annexed ethnically Ukrainian lands from Poland, Romania, and Czechoslovakia, as well as exiled the Crimean Tatars from their homeland in Crimea. If Stalin’s rule was destructive to the Ukrainian people, Hitler’s was absolutely catastrophic. The Nazis hoped to make Ukraine the breadbasket of their German Empire, and thus brought blood and war to its doors, massacring civilians and

soldiers alike. Ukraine lost about 3 million of its non-Jewish population and another 900,000 Jews to Nazi extermination policies. Some Ukrainian nationalists in western Ukraine hoped that cooperation with the Nazis would lead to their own independence, particularly in areas not long under Soviet rule like Galicia. Under occupation, many of these Ukrainian leaders with the desire for vengeance against the USSR worked willingly with the Nazis, hoping to achieve liberation from Stalinist oppression. It is also unsurprising that, after years of pogroms, anti-Semitic Ukrainians were more than willing to aid the Nazis in rounding up and expelling Jews from their villages. Some propaganda from the Kremlin today labels current Ukrainian nationalists as neo-Nazis due to their history in World War II.

After the war, Ukraine remained under Soviet control, and in 1954 Nikita Kruschev ceded the now ethnically Russian Crimea from Russia to Ukraine in a shrewd political and economic move. Crimea was linked by land to Ukraine and already heavily involved with its economics, relying on their electricity and fresh water supplies. The transfer was also heavily symbolic, a gift to the Ukrainian people for all they had suffered in the war. It was also not particularly unusual considering the lack of separation between Soviet Republics at the time. The disregard for the ethnic differences between Ukraine and Crimea, however, would catch up with Russia decades later.

Post USSR and Modern Day

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 7

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

In 1991, the Soviet Union finally collapsed, leaving much of Eastern Europe fragmented. As Yugoslavia fell into a series of civil wars, Ukraine established itself as an independent state. Some believed that Crimea would return to Russia with the fall of the USSR, but a referendum held throughout the newly independent nation showed that fifty-four percent of Crimeans did not wish to rejoin Russia. Though this was a majority, it was the lowest one in the country. Crimea remained fairly autonomous, structuring themselves under their own constitution and establishing a separate legislature from the one created for the rest of Ukraine. Added to this, Russia was granted the right to keep their naval base along the Black Sea in Sevastopol, solidifying their continued involvement in Crimea.

Ukraine saw a majority pro-European public for the first time in history in 2004 when protests erupted thanks to the rigged results of a presidential election which declared Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian choice, as victor. The election was rerun, and Viktor Yushchenko was the obvious winner. Despite the seemingly unified

decision, the protests, called the Orange Revolution, successfully masked the deep-rooted differences between the European oriented western and central Ukraine and the Russian-leaning east and south.

In 2010, Yanukovych won the presidential election based on a platform of closer ties with Russia. Once in power, Yanukovych is said to have embezzled millions, reverting to cronyism and corruption throughout his political affairs. He also imprisoned his 2010 opponent and Orange Revolution leader, Yulia Tymoshenko, under charges of abuse of power. Facing pressure from Russia, he backed out of a trade agreement with the European Union, triggering more violent protests that ended in government crackdown and bloody conflict.

With the state of current affairs, oligarchs and political bosses have easily exploited the fears of Eastern Ukrainians, taking advantage of television to propagandize the inferiority of modern day independence to the glory days under the Soviet Union. Many ethnic Russians in

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 8

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

areas such as Crimea have succumbed to a nostalgia for a past no longer accessible under Putin’s Russia. After centuries of built up cultural division between European and Russian sympathizers throughout Ukraine, two sides have finally come to a head and unleashed a brutal civil war. Russia’s Interests in Ukraine

As the dominant country of the former Soviet Union, Russia believes it has rightful authority over other previous members, chiefly Ukraine. Russia desires to create a Eurasian Union, which would tie countries from the former Soviet Union with European countries, with Russia at the center. Ukraine’s participation would be crucial due to its history with the Soviet Union and its position on the border of the European Union. These interests led Russia to persuade Ukrainian President Yanukovych to contradict his promises of moving closer to Western Europe by refusing to sign a trade deal with the EU and consequently bringing the nation closer to its Eastern neighbor. Ukrainian citizens were outraged by this decision, resulting in protests which evolved into the Ukrainian crisis. Russia’s refusal to accept Ukraine’s sovereignty is further motivated by the economic, geopolitical, and cultural ties between the two nations.

Since Ukraine is a relatively new independent state, the two nations are inextricably linked. This can be seen through the dispute caused by the gas pipes that flow from Russia, through Ukraine, and to the rest of Europe. Ukraine is dependent on Russia for its gas supply, and Russia relies on Ukraine to transport its gas to other western nations, making it difficult for the two nations to be independent of one another. Ukraine is also in a strategic location for the Russian Navy, which still possesses a presence in Sevastopol in Crimea. This base, The Black Sea Fleet, has proven to play a

crucial role when using armed forces, such as a conflict with Georgia in 2008. When Russia annexed Crimea, it eliminated Ukraine’s ability to limit modernization of the Black Sea Fleet, in

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 9

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

turn making it larger in both size and strength. Prior to the annexation, there was an agreement known as the Kharkov Agreement between Ukraine and Russia that outlined the abilities of the base. Under this, Moscow leased the base from Kiev, who also restricted modernization, providing another incentive to take control of the region.

Culturally, the two nations are linked together in history. As stated earlier, Ukraine and Russia were both part of Kievan Rus, whose center was Kiev: Ukraine’s current capital city. Since the demise of this civilization, different cultures have risen, but similarities still exist that tie the resulting nations together. Although Ukraine’s state language is Ukrainian, an astounding 1 out of 3 people speak Russian, and the language is commonly used in daily interactions. In Eastern regions of Ukraine, such as Crimea, which are more closely tied to Russia, there are large Russian-speaking groups who support Russia’s involvement. However, not all Russian-speaking citizens want closer ties with Russia, as a profuse number of them express opposition against their eastern neighbor. Since the rise of the conflict, religious organisations have stood to defend their nation and their beliefs. In the past, Ukrainian catholics living in Russia had been targeted. Now, this leads the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) to exhibit a strong support for Ukraine, against Russian aggression. Meanwhile, in Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is providing support for and strengthening its ties with the eastern state. The religious differences between the two nations are not the cause of fighting, but factors that deepen the divide. Ukraine’s recent shift from an authoritarian government to a more liberal one creates unease for the Russian government. Because their cultures are extremely similar, the democratic movements in Ukraine may influence its Russian counterparts, making it in President Putin’s best interest to interfere with the nation’s transition. Recent Conflict/Events

November, 2013

● President Yanukovych turns away from a deal with the EU, instead accepting a loan from Russia. This pro-Russian move provoked thousands of protesters in Ukraine, marking the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis.

February, 2014

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 10

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

● President Yanukovych flees Kiev. Former prime minister and Yanukovych’s 2010 opponent, Yulia Tymoshenko, is released from jail.

March, 2014 ● Russia annexed Crimea. The population’s Russian-speaking majority resulted in a vote,

on a referendum, to join Russia. Ukraine and the west deem this action as illegal. April 15, 2014

● Ukraine’s first formal military action against pro-Russian rebels, who seized government buildings across Eastern Ukraine.

May 11, 2014 ● Pro-Russian separatists declare independence in Donetsk and Luhansk as People’s

Republics. May 25, 2014

● Petro Poroshenko, a supporter of closer ties with the west, becomes president of Ukraine. July 17, 2014

● Malaysian airlines flight is shot down by a missile above rebel held territory in Eastern Ukraine, and gunmen prevent aid from reaching the crash site for days.

August 27, 2014 ● Rebels, allegedly backed by Russian armor, seize Novoazovsk, a town in Ukraine.

September, 2014 ● Russian trucks cross the border without permission from Ukraine. Russians say that it is

humanitarian aid, but Ukraine is skeptical. November 12, 2014

● Russian tanks, weapons, and troops cross the border, into Ukraine, in violation of the ceasefire; however, Russia denies claims.

● UN says 1.7 million children in conflict areas of eastern Ukraine are facing serious situations, heightened by unusually harsh winters.

January 22, 2015 ● Donetsk international airport falls to rebels.

February, 2015 ● Violations of Minsk II, with rebel forces pushing to seize Debaltseve.

December 1, 2016 ● Ukraine tests missile launches near Crimea as military exercises.

○ Russia says it violated international agreements; Ukraine denies.

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 11

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

February 1, 2017 ● Violence escalates in the early days of Trump presidency.

Past UN and International Actions

With thousands of lives taken at the hands of the Ukrainian crisis, nations around the globe are striving to put an end to the conflict. Several countries, especially those in Europe, are actively taking measures in an attempt to establish peace; however, the conflict continues with severity. In 2014, the United States worked alongside the European Union to impose sanctions on Russia in response to what they viewed as unjustified actions against Ukraine’s sovereignty. Along with banning all weapons trade, the US and EU limited financial interactions and the sale and purchase of technology and energy. These sanctions were created to target Russia’s economy, making it more heavily dependent on China.

Later that year, in June, Ukrainian president Poroshenko created a 15 point peace plan in an attempt to bring an end to the bloodshed. His plan proposed a buffer zone on the border of the two nations along with disarmament and a ceasefire. It also discussed the decentralization of Ukraine with both local and parliamentary elections. President Poroshenko included a cultural aspect, expressing his desire to preserve the Russian language. However, while Russian President Putin acknowledged the need for a truce, he provided limited support for the peace plan. Later that month, on June 27, President Poroshenko signed the agreement with the European Union which Viktor Yanukovych had denied one year earlier, resulting in the start of the Ukrainian crisis. The goal of the agreement is to bring Ukraine closer to the European Union, consequently creating a larger gap between the nation and its eastern neighbor. President Putin reacted to the signing by expressing Russia’s intent to respond as necessary if its economy is negatively impacted. Such actions would be to protect the Russian industry from the flow of cheaper European goods.

With 2014 coming to an end and no peaceful solution in sight, a series of compromises known as the Minsk agreements were devised. The first, consisted of a ceasefire and a buffer zone; however, this was violated shortly after its enactment in September of 2014, when fighting broke out in the Donetsk airport. Because of a number of previous failures to restore peace, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande facilitated the creation of a new agreement known as Minsk II, in February of 2015. Similar to prior compromises, Minsk II proposed the withdrawal of heavy weapons to create a buffer zone

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 12

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine agreed to proceed with constitutional reform toward decentralisation in exchange for full order of state borders and for all “foreign armed formations” to be withdrawn. Regarding Donetsk and Luhansk, the nations decided that elections will be held within these territories, in accordance to Ukraine legislation. Additionally, both sides agreed to provide humanitarian aid and assist with the socio-economic reintegration of rebel held areas, along with releasing all hostages and illegally held prisoners. While this may sound like a peaceful solution on paper, it has proven to be more difficult to enact, as can be seen through the current situation. Russia accuses Ukraine of failing to implement political provisions, while Ukraine and western nations wish to see a full ceasefire before doing so. In April of 2016, a United Nations Security Council meeting took place during which several members expressed their disapproval with the failure of nations to adhere to their commitments under Minsk II. Meetings under the compromise still continue, whether or not they are effective, however, is questionable.

As time passes, there are few advancements towards the Ukrainian crisis. In March of 2015, the European Union adjusted their sanctions on Russia to allow the implementation of the Minsk II agreement. However, the sanctions against the eastern nation still continue today, with little to no improvement on the condition of the issue. Bloc Positions Eastern Europe: Russia, Ukraine

The nations within this region are the center of the conflict, and any resolution will have to be agreed upon by both. Russia’s veto power in the Security Council gives it an advantage in this process, because it can easily reject UNSC actions. As mentioned previously, Russia’s long history with Ukraine and its dependence on their gas pipes has resulted in its the need to prevent the westernization of Ukraine as a nation. Russia has previously stressed that it does not desire any exacerbation of the conflict, stating that it has been villainized while Ukraine continues its own civil war. They have also consistently denied involvement throughout the Ukrainian crisis. Russia will likely maintain its stance on the legality of its annexation, denying the allegations other countries have made regarding the Crimean referendum. Ukraine, unlike Russia, will rely on ally nations to oppose the veto power of Russia. Ukraine is in a state of panic, torn apart by violence, and in severe need of humanitarian aid. More than anything Ukraine seeks an end to the rift within its own country and the safety of its civilians.

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 13

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

United Kingdom and the European Union: UK, France, Italy, Sweden

In July of 2017 the European Union had a summit with Ukraine to discuss their association with one another. The EU benefits from having Ukraine as a part of its system because it ensures access to their gas pipes. Leaders of the EU have demanded that Russia honor its role in the Minsk agreements and consistently reiterated their support for an independent Ukraine. Now independent of the union, the United Kingdom is not as restricted by the actions taken by the rest of the EU. The nation still supports the imposition of travel restrictions, but is hesitant to impose trade sanctions on Russia due to its ability to close down financial centers in London and Moscow. In response to Ukraine’s instability on ground, the UK government has provided non-lethal military equipment and various humanitarian aid, and it is likely that they will maintain their strong stance on the illegality of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Without the United Kingdom, France remains one of the strongest forces within the EU, and one of the four nations involved in the Minsk agreements. France has invested millions in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and thus it is in their best interest to establish peace within the conflict-ridden region.

Like other southern European nations, Italy has strong economic ties to Russia, but remains outside of their political sphere of influence. The onset of the Ukraine crisis marked a shift in Italian foreign policy towards Russia. While Italy cannot afford to lose Russia’s gas and energy supply, it has encouraged the deeper integration of the Ukraine into the EU. The economic ties that Italy maintains with Russia may result in a cautious attitude in regards to further sanctions.

As a Scandinavian, northern European nation, Sweden has long supported Ukraine’s drive to join the European Union. The Swedish government has endorsed the extension of sanctions placed on Russia and refused to recognize its annexation of Crimea. Due to its heavy reliance on renewable energy and its trade with other EU nations, Sweden depends little on Russian gas, and thus does not have the same motivation to maintain positive economic relations. Their concern over Russian involvement in the Baltic, however, may urge them to promote heavier sanctions on the nation. North America: United States

Up until recently, the United States remained Ukraine’s greatest ally in the battle against Russian power. Throughout the first few years of conflict, the United States worked alongside the European Union to enforce sanctions on Russia in response to the violation of Ukraine’s

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 14

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

sovereignty, and remained one of the only nations powerful enough to keep Russia at bay. The United States has invested billions in Ukrainian democratic institutions and millions in humanitarian aid. In September 2016, the House of Representatives adopted the STAND for Ukraine Act, which stated the US’s support for the Ukrainian government and condemnation of Russian actions. The United States has strategically placed sanctions on key Russian financial, energy, and military technology sectors, including Gazprombank, Vnesheconombank (VEB), Novatek, and Rosneft. The early days of Donald Trump’s presidency saw increased violence in Ukraine, which for the first time was not immediately condemned by the US government. While Nikki Haley did rebuke Moscow’s actions in early February, the US’s stance towards Ukraine remains fairly uncertain. Asia: China, Japan, Kazakhstan

China has generally maintained a neutral stance throughout the Ukrainian crisis, abstaining from the vote in the 2014 Security Council. It has acknowledged the complexity of the historical and economic factors involved and avoided complicating the situation. China must maintain positive relations with both the EU and Russia, so it has treaded carefully in regards to Ukraine thus far, but may not remain so impartial in future. China shares similar diplomatic views with Russia and has a long history of friendship with it, but is also heavily dependent on trade with the United States. Thus, their role in this crisis remains unclear.

Like many European nations, Japan is reliant on Russian gas and energy, making increased sanctions a poor approach. Japan will need to balance its economic needs with its alliances and diplomatic interests.

As a previous member of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan’s greatest concern throughout this conflict will be to keep it from spreading into its own regions. Russia is key to Kazakhstan's economy and security, and Ukraine offers valuable connections to European markets. Thus, Kazakhstan most requires a peaceful end to the crisis that does not encourage Russia to entangle itself in its affairs. As the only former Soviet Union member on the Security Council other than Russia and Ukraine themselves, Kazakhstan is most understanding of Ukraine’s situation. Northern Kazakhstan, like Eastern Ukraine, also houses a large percentage of Russian speaking peoples, and thus the nation may have concerns regarding the possibility of further Russian expansion.

South America: Uruguay, Bolivia

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 15

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

Latin American nations such as Uruguay and Bolivia have interests in both Russia and the EU, largely economically. Much of South America is facing its own political conflicts, and it may seem on first glance that what happens on the other side of the world is inapplicable. However, both of the South American nations on this Security Council have featured in discussions on Ukraine. As a member of the Bolivarian Alliance, Bolivia actually accepted the Crimean referendum in 2014, in part for the sake of undermining US influence in Latin America. Bolivia is also tied to Russia in trade, similarly to Uruguay. Unlike Bolivia, Uruguay is a member of MERCOSUR, and thus abstained from condemning Russia’s perspective on Ukraine. In April of 2016, the Uruguay representative in the Security Council urged the honoring of the Minsk agreements and humanitarian aid to civilians. Despite this, Uruguay also has interests in Russia, which they addressed in a statement in February 2017. The president of Uruguay himself acknowledged the shared views of the two governments, stressing the importance of a strong relationship. For South America, it is important to maintain strong economic ties with Russia while still honoring international and humanitarian law. Africa: Egypt, Ethiopia, Senegal

Despite the fall of the Soviet Union, many African nations still look to Russia as a valuable ally in the world and fear crossing it. Many African countries have stayed silent on the discussion of Ukraine as a result, though analysts wonder the impact the situation will have on countries similarly divided between ethnic groups. Some nations may also feel concerned as to why the reaction to events in Ukraine are so much more inflamatory that reactions to their own violence and civil strife. Egypt knows well the effects that political dispute can have on civilian life from its own massacre in Cairo just a few years ago. It may seem hypocritical to react so strongly to Ukrainian civil issues while not acknowledging the issues within other nations. Ethiopia may have similar views due to the more recent conflict with Eritrea. Overall, countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Senegal have agreed with the strong desire for compliance with the Minsk agreements and urged humanitarian support for civilians in Ukraine. Their views, however, are in no way set for the rest of the crisis. Questions a Resolution Must Answer:

1. Should the annexation of Crimea by Russia be considered as legitimate considering past UN actions in similar situations, including that of Kosovo?

2. Does the UN have the authority to intervene in the internal political affairs of Ukraine?

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 16

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

3. What actions can be taken by other nations that do not inflict upon Ukraine or Russia’s sovereignty, and do they have the right to intervene at all?

4. How can the Security Council prevent excessive civilian casualties in areas most affected by the violence, namely eastern Ukraine and Crimea?

5. What can be done to ensure that civilians displaced by the conflict are guaranteed resettlement and fair treatment?

6. How does the historical division within Ukraine impact finding a resolution to the conflict at hand?

7. How can the UN prevent the issue from becoming an international conflict within Eastern Europe?

8. How can stability be ensured once borders resulting from the conflict are settled? What can the UN do to prevent future balkanization or war within a region so culturally divided?

9. How can the cultural differences within Ukraine be respected and preserved if Ukraine remains one unified nation?

10. How will Donetsk and Luhansk be considered when establishing borders between Ukraine and Russia?

References and Suggested Resources

- https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/un-security-council - https://www.globalpolicy.org/security-council.html - http://www.un.org/en/sc/ - http://www.unfoundation.org/what-we-do/issues/united-nations/the-un-security-council.ht

ml - http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/ukraine-what-russia-wants-9907 - http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/10/europe/ukraine-war-how-we-got-here/index.html - http://time.com/8626/what-you-should-know-about-ukraine/ - http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2014/02/21/280684831/why-ukraine-is-such-a-big-

deal-for-russia - http://www.shsu.edu/his_ncp/Kievan.html - http://origins.osu.edu/article/ukrainian-crisis-russias-long-shadow/page/0/1 - https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/03/09/maps-how-ukraine-b

ecame-ukraine/?utm_term=.b42b784cb959

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 17

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

- https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/02/27/to-understand-crimea-take-a-look-back-at-its-complicated-history/?utm_term=.e3a1334dca81

- http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/background-briefing-ukraine-crisis/ - http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/seven-reasons-why-russia-wants-keep-

ukraine-all-itself-n33391 - https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sc12700.doc.htm - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27308526 - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/27/russia-motivations-ukraine-cris

is - http://ukrstat.org/en/operativ/operativ2013/zd/ivu/ivu_e/arh_inv2013_e.html - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29521564 - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/07/ukraine-russia-crimea-naval-base-tatars

-explainer - http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/print/features/world/europe/ukraine/ukraine-text - https://global.britannica.com/topic/Kievan-Rus - https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/russia-once-almost-a-democracy/2011/08/12/gI

QAMriNOJ_story.html?utm_term=.2b26f65a64df - http://uacrisis.org/56867-russian-language-ukraine - https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2010/0315/Ukrainian-vs.-Russian-language-t

wo-tongues-divide-former-Soviet-republic - https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/essays/how-religion-divides-ukraine-and-russia - http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/11/conflict-faith-russia-ukraine-1511030

65457830.html - http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48877#.WXsk29OGMWo - https://www.un.org/press/en/2014/sc11314.doc.htm - http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2014/04/ukraine-crisis-what-un-doing-ab-201

441761310213603.html - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27308526 - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11408266/Minsk-agreement

-on-Ukraine-crisis-text-in-full.html - https://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2016/09/economist-explains-7 - https://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12345.doc.htm - http://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/27/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/index.html

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 18

Saturday 11 November 2017

Centennial High School Model United Nations Conference – Security Council

- http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31436513 - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/29/economic-sanctions-russia-eu-governme

nts - http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions/ukraine-crisis/ - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27937596 - http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKBN0EW0EH20140622 - http://carnegieeurope.eu/2017/03/15/revisiting-2014-annexation-of-crimea-pub-68423 - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18287223 - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/11/ukraine-russia-crimea-sanctions-us-eu-g

uide-explainer - http://www.maritime-executive.com/editorials/russias-black-sea-fleet-buildup - https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21716091-new-clashes-donbas-may-show-vlad

imir-putin-testing-donald-trump-america-and-russia-talk - https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2017/02/03/the-united-states-

abandons-ukraine/?utm_term=.a402bd5ff0f4 - https://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12345.doc.htm - http://www.americasquarterly.org/content/ukrainian-crisis-and-latin-america - http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2017/07/12-13/ - http://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-diplomacy-idUSKBN1AR1N2 - http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2017/07/12-13/ - http://www.africaagenda.org/african-nations-eager-take-sides-crimean-crisis-school-mine

s-intl-relations-professor-says/ - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-hearst/the-difference-between-uk_b_4854870.html - https://ethiopiaobservatory.com/2014/03/19/ethiopias-negative-experiences-through-ukra

ine-crimea-crisis-lens-the-hypocrisy-of-the-west/

CHSMUNC 2017 pg. 19