In the Shadow of Empire: Putin's Expansionism, Russia-Ukraine Conflict and the Limitation of United Nations Security Council Veto Power

In recent times, Russia and Ukraine have been enmeshed in a series of armed conflicts that have been blamed for the destruction of several lives and properties. Amidst this crisis is the United States (US) enticement of Ukraine to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a check on Russia's expansionism and Russia's provocative perception about that move. Relying on secondary data analyzed within the framework of the "collective security theory", this study interrogates the impact of the United Nations' Security Council's veto power on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its likely consequences for developing nations, especially Africa. This study argues that Putin's invasion of Ukraine is fuelled by nostalgia and kitsch to regain some prestige among global actors. In the media, Putin's invoking old sentiments has framed the invasion as justified in the light of breached agreements with the West at the dismantling of the Soviet Union. The outcome has been human insecurity and the reopening of sad memories of historical antagonism between Russia and Ukraine. The structure of the UNSC has hampered the use of the veto as an extreme measure to end the suffering of Ukraine's citizens due to Russia's invasion. The crisis has left the world with the dilemma of dealing with the realities of Putin's actions, the re-emergence of cold war politics, and the emptiness of the UNSC "Never Again" aphorism. Given that the conflict holds devastating consequences for the international system, especially in Africa, Russia and Ukraine must be allowed to enter a negotiated settlement without the meddling of global powers whose actions have intensified the conflict. The UNSC must provide the necessary support for the peace process to restore stability and prevent the recurrence of such future conflicts.