Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at UN Security Council stakeout on Russia’s UNSC Presidency

ASK: Ambassador, do you expect any problems from Russia during the month? [inaudible]?

AMBASSADOR LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD: So, as you know, Russia is taking his seat as President of the Security Council. Started April 1st. It’s like an April Fool’s joke. But the truth is that it is a rotating seat. We expect them to behave in a professional manner. But we also expect that they will use their space to spread disinformation and advance their own agenda regarding Ukraine, and we will be ready to confront them every single moment they try to do so.

ASK: They bring Foreign Minister Lavrov here. Firstly, do you give him a visa? Second, at what level will you be attending those high-level meetings that he wants to chair?

AMBASSADOR THOMAS GREENFIELD: Look, I’m not surprised they asked the Secretary of State to come. We have not yet decided what our attendance will be, but we intend to conduct Security Council business this month. The Security Council is doing more than Ukraine. We are working on many issues and again we expect that Russia will conduct its presidency professionally, but if it is not, we will be ready to challenge it.

ASK: Any idea to ask Russia to withdraw during meetings on Ukraine?

AMBASSADOR THOMAS GREENFIELD: We continue to hope that the Council works professionally. And we stand ready to do whatever is necessary for the work of the Council –

ASK: Will there be a meeting on Ukraine during the Russian Presidency?

AMBASSADOR THOMAS GREENFIELD: I suspect that there will be a meeting on Ukraine during the Russian Presidency.

ASK: [inaudible] – because Minister Blinken had called Mr Lavrov on the phone. Will you meet him to follow up on this or any plans?

AMBASSADOR THOMAS GREENFIELD: I have no plans to meet the Secretary of State during his visit here in New York. But the minister was very clear in his conversation with the secretary of state about the arrest of the Wall Street Journal journalist.

ASK: Mr. Ambassador, does the US plan to propose any sort of draft resolutions, or do you have specific issues that you think you will raise with the Russians during this time?

AMBASSADOR THOMAS GREENFIELD: There is nothing especially that I can now share our plans with you, but we will be ready to do whatever is necessary.