Maya Ungar
@mayaungar.bsky.social
posting about all things UN & international conflict 🕊// currently UN Analyst at International Crisis Group (@crisisgroup.org) // she/her // all views are my own
Russian Ambassador in NY just held a stakeout on snapback.
When pushed to answer if Rus would implement sanctions on Iran again, he evaded, instead saying "how can [sanctions] be introduced if the snapback being launched right now is illegal."
webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u...
When pushed to answer if Rus would implement sanctions on Iran again, he evaded, instead saying "how can [sanctions] be introduced if the snapback being launched right now is illegal."
webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u...
August 28, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Russian Ambassador in NY just held a stakeout on snapback.
When pushed to answer if Rus would implement sanctions on Iran again, he evaded, instead saying "how can [sanctions] be introduced if the snapback being launched right now is illegal."
webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u...
When pushed to answer if Rus would implement sanctions on Iran again, he evaded, instead saying "how can [sanctions] be introduced if the snapback being launched right now is illegal."
webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u...
The E3 have not withdrawn from the JCPOA, but Rus is arguing that the E3 “chronically violated that resolution and the JCPOA; therefore, they no longer have any right to engage that mechanism”.
No surprise, but the E3 strongly disagree.
docs.un.org/en/S/PV.9944
No surprise, but the E3 strongly disagree.
docs.un.org/en/S/PV.9944
August 28, 2025 at 4:29 PM
The E3 have not withdrawn from the JCPOA, but Rus is arguing that the E3 “chronically violated that resolution and the JCPOA; therefore, they no longer have any right to engage that mechanism”.
No surprise, but the E3 strongly disagree.
docs.un.org/en/S/PV.9944
No surprise, but the E3 strongly disagree.
docs.un.org/en/S/PV.9944
Then, parties have 30 days (from the original notification) for last-ditch diplomacy before a vote.
If the vote is vetoed, or fails to gain the necessary 9 votes to pass, then snapback commences and all pre-2015 sanctions on Iran are restored.
👇 below for list of sanctions👇
If the vote is vetoed, or fails to gain the necessary 9 votes to pass, then snapback commences and all pre-2015 sanctions on Iran are restored.
👇 below for list of sanctions👇
August 28, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Then, parties have 30 days (from the original notification) for last-ditch diplomacy before a vote.
If the vote is vetoed, or fails to gain the necessary 9 votes to pass, then snapback commences and all pre-2015 sanctions on Iran are restored.
👇 below for list of sanctions👇
If the vote is vetoed, or fails to gain the necessary 9 votes to pass, then snapback commences and all pre-2015 sanctions on Iran are restored.
👇 below for list of sanctions👇
Today, the E3 (🇫🇷🇩🇪🇬🇧) triggered snapback. Here are the next steps.
First, a Council member needs to draft a resolution to essentially ignore the snapback. If no one does within ten days, the Council President (🇰🇷) will do so.
First, a Council member needs to draft a resolution to essentially ignore the snapback. If no one does within ten days, the Council President (🇰🇷) will do so.
August 28, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Today, the E3 (🇫🇷🇩🇪🇬🇧) triggered snapback. Here are the next steps.
First, a Council member needs to draft a resolution to essentially ignore the snapback. If no one does within ten days, the Council President (🇰🇷) will do so.
First, a Council member needs to draft a resolution to essentially ignore the snapback. If no one does within ten days, the Council President (🇰🇷) will do so.
The U.S. ends their remarks at the Security Council warning that "Iran's leadership would be wise to negotiate at this time"
June 13, 2025 at 8:40 PM
The U.S. ends their remarks at the Security Council warning that "Iran's leadership would be wise to negotiate at this time"
In a surprise twist, Mike Waltz is the newest nominee for USUN Ambassador.
I certainly did not see that coming.
I certainly did not see that coming.
May 1, 2025 at 6:29 PM
In a surprise twist, Mike Waltz is the newest nominee for USUN Ambassador.
I certainly did not see that coming.
I certainly did not see that coming.
The UN just released a financial report on closed peacekeeping missions and the #s are staggering.
The closed missions together have total net cash deficits of $156 million, with over $27 million of that owed to troop-contributing countries.
docs.un.org/en/A/79/808
The closed missions together have total net cash deficits of $156 million, with over $27 million of that owed to troop-contributing countries.
docs.un.org/en/A/79/808
March 25, 2025 at 6:39 PM
The UN just released a financial report on closed peacekeeping missions and the #s are staggering.
The closed missions together have total net cash deficits of $156 million, with over $27 million of that owed to troop-contributing countries.
docs.un.org/en/A/79/808
The closed missions together have total net cash deficits of $156 million, with over $27 million of that owed to troop-contributing countries.
docs.un.org/en/A/79/808
The post-vote reaction from the Ukraine delegation lol
February 24, 2025 at 5:02 PM
The post-vote reaction from the Ukraine delegation lol
UN expert take: Richard was right.
Although both the EU and US resolutions did pass, the U.S. ended up abstaining on their own resolution after the GA adopted a number of amendments to the text...
Although both the EU and US resolutions did pass, the U.S. ended up abstaining on their own resolution after the GA adopted a number of amendments to the text...
February 24, 2025 at 5:02 PM
UN expert take: Richard was right.
Although both the EU and US resolutions did pass, the U.S. ended up abstaining on their own resolution after the GA adopted a number of amendments to the text...
Although both the EU and US resolutions did pass, the U.S. ended up abstaining on their own resolution after the GA adopted a number of amendments to the text...
Additionally, the SG outlined the dire situation for peacekeeping operations, saying that he is “worried about our ability to pay for troops and police in June.”
More 👇
More 👇
February 21, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Additionally, the SG outlined the dire situation for peacekeeping operations, saying that he is “worried about our ability to pay for troops and police in June.”
More 👇
More 👇
What is the impact of this lack of funding?
Hiring restrictions are “inevitable” and cash cuts will “undermine [UN] operational and programmatic activities, as mandate implementation is driven by the availability of cash and not by planning.”
Hiring restrictions are “inevitable” and cash cuts will “undermine [UN] operational and programmatic activities, as mandate implementation is driven by the availability of cash and not by planning.”
February 21, 2025 at 7:13 PM
What is the impact of this lack of funding?
Hiring restrictions are “inevitable” and cash cuts will “undermine [UN] operational and programmatic activities, as mandate implementation is driven by the availability of cash and not by planning.”
Hiring restrictions are “inevitable” and cash cuts will “undermine [UN] operational and programmatic activities, as mandate implementation is driven by the availability of cash and not by planning.”
Argentina follows in the US's footsteps to announce their withdrawal from the WHO.
February 5, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Argentina follows in the US's footsteps to announce their withdrawal from the WHO.
New UN updates on the situation in the DRC.
UN Deputy SRSG Bruno Lemarquis says that active combat zones have spread to all neighborhoods in Goma, with civilians taking the brunt of the violence.
Hospitals are overwhelmed & there are severe cuts to water, electricity and the internet (1/2)
UN Deputy SRSG Bruno Lemarquis says that active combat zones have spread to all neighborhoods in Goma, with civilians taking the brunt of the violence.
Hospitals are overwhelmed & there are severe cuts to water, electricity and the internet (1/2)
January 27, 2025 at 6:05 PM
New UN updates on the situation in the DRC.
UN Deputy SRSG Bruno Lemarquis says that active combat zones have spread to all neighborhoods in Goma, with civilians taking the brunt of the violence.
Hospitals are overwhelmed & there are severe cuts to water, electricity and the internet (1/2)
UN Deputy SRSG Bruno Lemarquis says that active combat zones have spread to all neighborhoods in Goma, with civilians taking the brunt of the violence.
Hospitals are overwhelmed & there are severe cuts to water, electricity and the internet (1/2)
Interesting comments on the UNSC from Marco Rubio during his confirmation hearing yesterday for US Secretary of State.
He emphasized national security interests and said that Russia and China's veto power has "rendered the Security Council almost irrelevant."
He emphasized national security interests and said that Russia and China's veto power has "rendered the Security Council almost irrelevant."
January 16, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Interesting comments on the UNSC from Marco Rubio during his confirmation hearing yesterday for US Secretary of State.
He emphasized national security interests and said that Russia and China's veto power has "rendered the Security Council almost irrelevant."
He emphasized national security interests and said that Russia and China's veto power has "rendered the Security Council almost irrelevant."
And, the flags are raised! An official welcome to the Security Council to Denmark 🇩🇰, Greece 🇬🇷, Pakistan 🇵🇰, Panama 🇵🇦 and Somalia 🇸🇴
And, an official goodbye to Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique & Switzerland
And, an official goodbye to Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique & Switzerland
January 2, 2025 at 5:34 PM
And, the flags are raised! An official welcome to the Security Council to Denmark 🇩🇰, Greece 🇬🇷, Pakistan 🇵🇰, Panama 🇵🇦 and Somalia 🇸🇴
And, an official goodbye to Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique & Switzerland
And, an official goodbye to Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique & Switzerland
Assad's fall has created a rare moment of (relative) unity at the Council on Syria.
All Council members seem to be "pragmatic about the need to adapt to HTS’s military success, although some, including Russia, continued to point out the group’s jihadist roots."
All Council members seem to be "pragmatic about the need to adapt to HTS’s military success, although some, including Russia, continued to point out the group’s jihadist roots."
December 18, 2024 at 7:43 PM
Assad's fall has created a rare moment of (relative) unity at the Council on Syria.
All Council members seem to be "pragmatic about the need to adapt to HTS’s military success, although some, including Russia, continued to point out the group’s jihadist roots."
All Council members seem to be "pragmatic about the need to adapt to HTS’s military success, although some, including Russia, continued to point out the group’s jihadist roots."
Easily my favorite image to come out of reporting on Syria so far 😂
December 13, 2024 at 4:31 PM
Easily my favorite image to come out of reporting on Syria so far 😂
2⃣ Ending the humanitarian exemption would have a significant negative impact.
As our chart shows, over 100 million people need life-saving said in countries with an al-Qaeda/IS presence. Ending the exemption would put their needs in jeopardy.
As our chart shows, over 100 million people need life-saving said in countries with an al-Qaeda/IS presence. Ending the exemption would put their needs in jeopardy.
December 6, 2024 at 4:22 PM
2⃣ Ending the humanitarian exemption would have a significant negative impact.
As our chart shows, over 100 million people need life-saving said in countries with an al-Qaeda/IS presence. Ending the exemption would put their needs in jeopardy.
As our chart shows, over 100 million people need life-saving said in countries with an al-Qaeda/IS presence. Ending the exemption would put their needs in jeopardy.
1⃣ The humanitarian exemption has proven to be beneficial.
As @delaneysimon.bsky.social and I wrote in September, it created more legal protection and bank access for aid workers, and led more donors to support projects in sanctions affected countries.👇
As @delaneysimon.bsky.social and I wrote in September, it created more legal protection and bank access for aid workers, and led more donors to support projects in sanctions affected countries.👇
December 6, 2024 at 4:22 PM
1⃣ The humanitarian exemption has proven to be beneficial.
As @delaneysimon.bsky.social and I wrote in September, it created more legal protection and bank access for aid workers, and led more donors to support projects in sanctions affected countries.👇
As @delaneysimon.bsky.social and I wrote in September, it created more legal protection and bank access for aid workers, and led more donors to support projects in sanctions affected countries.👇
As a compromise, the Council agreed to vote again in 2 years on the humanitarian exemption for JUST the Al Qaeda/ISIL sanctions. Today, marked that vote.
So, why did the Council vote unanimously to indefinitely extend this exemption in 2024, when there were concerns in 2022?
So, why did the Council vote unanimously to indefinitely extend this exemption in 2024, when there were concerns in 2022?
December 6, 2024 at 4:22 PM
As a compromise, the Council agreed to vote again in 2 years on the humanitarian exemption for JUST the Al Qaeda/ISIL sanctions. Today, marked that vote.
So, why did the Council vote unanimously to indefinitely extend this exemption in 2024, when there were concerns in 2022?
So, why did the Council vote unanimously to indefinitely extend this exemption in 2024, when there were concerns in 2022?
What is the humanitarian carveout?
In Dec 2022, the Council approved Res 2664, which exempted humanitarian activities from UN-mandated asset freezes.
This was a huge win for humanitarian actors, who faced significant challenges in delivering aid w/o violating sanctions.
In Dec 2022, the Council approved Res 2664, which exempted humanitarian activities from UN-mandated asset freezes.
This was a huge win for humanitarian actors, who faced significant challenges in delivering aid w/o violating sanctions.
December 6, 2024 at 4:22 PM
What is the humanitarian carveout?
In Dec 2022, the Council approved Res 2664, which exempted humanitarian activities from UN-mandated asset freezes.
This was a huge win for humanitarian actors, who faced significant challenges in delivering aid w/o violating sanctions.
In Dec 2022, the Council approved Res 2664, which exempted humanitarian activities from UN-mandated asset freezes.
This was a huge win for humanitarian actors, who faced significant challenges in delivering aid w/o violating sanctions.
Big news in the sanctions world.
Today, the UNSC indefinitely extended the humanitarian carveout of the Al Qaeda/ISIL sanctions regime.
What does this mean, & why is it so important? A quick 🧵.
Today, the UNSC indefinitely extended the humanitarian carveout of the Al Qaeda/ISIL sanctions regime.
What does this mean, & why is it so important? A quick 🧵.
December 6, 2024 at 4:22 PM
Big news in the sanctions world.
Today, the UNSC indefinitely extended the humanitarian carveout of the Al Qaeda/ISIL sanctions regime.
What does this mean, & why is it so important? A quick 🧵.
Today, the UNSC indefinitely extended the humanitarian carveout of the Al Qaeda/ISIL sanctions regime.
What does this mean, & why is it so important? A quick 🧵.
Amidst a very troubling global humanitarian situation, response plans remain massively underfunded, and the international community's political solutions are often too little too late.
To put it bluntly, the outlook for 2025 is not good.
To put it bluntly, the outlook for 2025 is not good.
December 4, 2024 at 9:40 PM
Amidst a very troubling global humanitarian situation, response plans remain massively underfunded, and the international community's political solutions are often too little too late.
To put it bluntly, the outlook for 2025 is not good.
To put it bluntly, the outlook for 2025 is not good.
The areas identified as the highest numbers of people in need include Sudan, DRC, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan and Myanmar.
OCHA identifies two main drivers -- conflict and climate change.
OCHA identifies two main drivers -- conflict and climate change.
December 4, 2024 at 9:40 PM
The areas identified as the highest numbers of people in need include Sudan, DRC, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan and Myanmar.
OCHA identifies two main drivers -- conflict and climate change.
OCHA identifies two main drivers -- conflict and climate change.
I had a great time in Berlin last week talking about UN sanctions with IISS.
.
Though the event was closed, the core elements of my remarks can be found in the @crisisgroup.org article I published earlier this year 👇
crisisgroup.org/global/polit...
.
Though the event was closed, the core elements of my remarks can be found in the @crisisgroup.org article I published earlier this year 👇
crisisgroup.org/global/polit...
November 24, 2024 at 6:07 PM
I had a great time in Berlin last week talking about UN sanctions with IISS.
.
Though the event was closed, the core elements of my remarks can be found in the @crisisgroup.org article I published earlier this year 👇
crisisgroup.org/global/polit...
.
Though the event was closed, the core elements of my remarks can be found in the @crisisgroup.org article I published earlier this year 👇
crisisgroup.org/global/polit...