Guterres Says U.S. Puts Power Over International Law, Presses Security Council Reform

Overview

• In a BBC Radio 4 interview, António Guterres said Washington treats multilateral solutions as irrelevant and elevates U.S. power over international law.
• He acknowledged the United Nations lacks leverage against major powers even as it remains engaged in efforts to resolve conflicts.
• Guterres urged changes to the Security Council’s composition and tighter limits on vetoes, noting U.S. and Russian vetoes on Ukraine and Gaza.
• The comments were framed by recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and President Trump’s statements about owning Greenland, alongside his broader criticism of the UN.
• Separately, the UN Development Programme said it will shift nearly 400 New York positions to Europe, chiefly to Germany and Spain.