Russia has assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of April, prompting outrage from Western countries and Ukraine. Moscow's tenure as the rotating presidency is considered a "symbolic blow" to the rules-based system of international relations, according to Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian president's chief of staff. The last time Russia held the presidency in February 2022, the country invaded Ukraine, leading Kyiv to call for Russia's removal from the Council. Despite calls from Ukraine to block Russia's presidency, the US said it could not do so as it is a permanent Council member. While Russia will not have much influence on decisions, it will be responsible for the agenda. Moscow has planned several debates during its tenure as president, including one on arms control and another on the Middle East. With ties between Russia and the West at their lowest point since the Cold War, Russia's presidency of the Security Council may add fuel to tensions between the two sides.