Overview The Kremlin has asserted that international law is effectively defunct following the recent U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran. In response, Russia is reviving President Vladimir Putin’s pre‑pandemic proposal for a high‑level summit of the P‑5 to address global security and stability. Key Developments Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the current global climate shows the need to revisit Putin’s proposal for a UN Security Council P‑5 summit. He claimed that de jure international law exists, but it no longer functions de facto . The Kremlin highlighted that the U.S.–Israeli attack on Iran has dramatically destabilised West Asia, amplifying economic and political fallout. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged the United States to clarify its broader strategic plans and how they align with existing international norms. Important Facts The proposed summit would bring together the five permanent members of the UN Security Council : Russia, the United States, China, France and the United Kingdom. The meeting aims to discuss: Mechanisms to restore confidence in international law and its enforcement. Collective responses to the escalating regional conflicts in West Asia. Economic repercussions stemming from heightened geopolitical tension. UPSC Relevance Understanding the erosion of international law is vital for GS‑2 (Polity) as it touches upon the legal foundations of the international system, the role of the UN Security Council , and the dynamics of the P‑5 . The distinction between de jure and de facto compliance is a recurring theme in questions on global governance and treaty obligations. Way Forward For aspirants, it is important to monitor whether the proposed P‑5 summit materialises and how it may reshape the architecture of global security. Key points to watch include: Any consensus on redefining the scope and enforcement mechanisms of international law . Potential reforms in the decision‑making process of the UN Security Council , especially concerning the veto power of the P‑5 . Implications for India’s foreign policy, particularly its stance on multilateralism and adherence to global norms. Staying abreast of diplomatic statements from Moscow, Washington, and Tehran will help candidates analyse shifting power equations and their impact on India’s strategic interests.