As the world marked the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Monday, competing resolutions at the United Nations brought tensions within the international community to the forefront. This episode dives deep into the diplomatic maneuvering and dueling agendas, revealing the complexities that reshape alliances and influence decisions made at the United Nations. As our host explains, the anniversary this week was Act One in a three-act tragedy that culminated in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28.

The guest in this episode, Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia's UN ambassador who sits on the UN Security Council, offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of the negotiation process and the challenges faced by countries seeking to support Ukraine against ongoing aggression. Listeners are treated to a vivid narrative highlighting the unexpected shift in United States foreign policy and its implications for Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. What does it mean when one of the most significant military powers distances itself from traditional allies? The final act played out in the Oval Office on Friday, when Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy was bushwhacked as both the U.S. president and vice president accused him of being disrepectful and unthankful.

There is a bonus segment with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski explaining how he was lied to over Shaheed drones by Iran, one of which was on display across from the UN. 

Speakers:

J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.

Samuel Zbogar (guest). @Samuel_Zbogar of @SLOtoUN

References:

The host wrote about Slovenia's election to the UN Security Council in Foreign Policy.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/09/belarus-slovenia-russia-united-nations-security-council-rotating-seat/

Alex also wrote about the confirmation hearing of Elise Stefanik for United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/

See photos and videos of the Iranian Shahed drone display on our social media: Twitter/X; Insagram; BlueSky

Credits:

Music: Adobe Stock

Photos: UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe. The semi-anual UN Security Council meeting on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals on June 11, 2024. Photo of podcast interview (in some formats): Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the United Nations.