UN Blacklists Israel and Russia for Sexual Violence in Conflict, Sparking Diplomatic Firestorm

The report also newly listed three non-state armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, joining dozens of other state and non-state entities from countries including Sudan, Haiti, Myanmar, Syria, and Mali that are credibly suspected of systematic sexual violence .

Israel's Response: Severing Ties with the UN Chief

Israel's reaction was swift and severe. On 28 May 2026, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon announced the country would "sever all ties with the office of UN Secretary-General António Guterres," calling the blacklisting "outrageous" and a "moral disgrace" . In a video posted on X, Danon declared: "We are done with this UN Secretary-General," and stated Israel would wait until a new Secretary-General is appointed before resuming contact . Guterres's term ends on December 31, 2026.

The Israeli government also restricted UN officials' access to detention facilities and prohibited their travel to Gaza . Israel's Foreign Ministry called the decision "shameful and absurd," particularly objecting to being placed on the same list as Hamas, which was added in August 2025 . Both Israel and Russia refute the allegations, with Russia's Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia calling the blacklisting a "clearly biased and politicized decision" in remarks to the press .

Ukraine's Call: Ban Russia from Peacekeeping

On 9 June 2026, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN, Andrii Melnyk, addressed the Security Council and argued that the inclusion of Russian armed forces on the sexual violence blacklist should disqualify the country from participating in UN peacekeeping missions . Melnyk stated that such crimes are "not merely violations of international law" but also disqualify a state from serving under the UN flag .

He noted that the report itself references Security Council resolution 2242 (2015), which prohibits state actors repeatedly listed in the annex from participating in UN peacekeeping operations . Melnyk also accused Russia of systematic deception and denial of responsibility at the UN, declaring, "Time for Moscow to get out" .

While the blacklisting does not automatically trigger sanctions, it carries significant reputational consequences and can increase diplomatic pressure on both nations .