Can Russia be removed from UN Security Council and how would that work?

White House says it's unlikely Russia will be removed from the UN Security Council

The United Nations has been called upon to reform its system of governance because Russia is being accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine.

Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russian troops of horrific attacks on civilians in a video address to the UN Security Council on Tuesday.

As it stands, the UN Security Council gives veto powers to five permanent members, including Russia.

What exactly has Mr Zelenskyy called for?

In his address, Mr Zelenskyy demanded that Russia be held accountable for its actions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling for action from the UN. (AP: John Minchillo)

He called on the Security Council to make decisions for peace in Ukraine.

"If you do not know how to make this decision, you can do two things: Remove Russia as an aggressor and a source of war so it cannot block decisions about its own aggression … Or the other option is please show we can reform or change, dissolve yourself and work for peace," he said.

Can the UN remove a permanent member from the Security Council?

The UN charter does not outline a way to remove a permanent member of the Security Council.

However, a country can be removed from the United Nations General Assembly via a vote based on the recommendation of the Security Council.

"A Member of the United Nations, which has persistently violated the Principles contained in the present Charter, may be expelled from the Organisation by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council," Article 6 of the charter states.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call comes after he examined the devastation left after recent battles in the town of Bucha. (AP: Efrem Lukatsky)

How could Russia be removed?

As Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council, and has veto powers, the Council cannot recommend the removal of Russia without its agreement. 

Russia would need to approve its own sacking.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki says Russia's permanent position on the Council poses challenges.

"I think [Mr Zelenskyy] is certainly referring to his frustration, which we share, that Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council, we don't see that changing," Ms Psaki says.

Which countries have veto powers and what are they?

There are five permanent members of the Security Council, including:

• China
• France
• Russia
• The United Kingdom
• The United States

These countries have the power to veto, or say no, to any substantive resolution.

Russia is one of five permanent members if the UN Security Council.  (AP: Richard Drew)

There are also 10 non-permanent members, these are:

• Albania
• Brazil
• Gabon
• Ghana
• India
• Ireland
• Kenya
• Mexico
• Norway
• United Arab Emirates

How was the UN Security Council set up anyway?

Towards the end of World War II, representatives of 50 countries gathered to create the United Nations in the hope of preventing another world war.

Five states were granted permanent membership of the Security Council, based on their importance in the aftermath of World War II.

The role of the Security Council is one of the six main systems of the UN and is in charge of ensuring international peace and security.

Zelenskyy calls on the UN to remove Russia in a passionate address