Russia has failed to secure enough votes to rejoin the UN's International Maritime Organisation's governing council, reported Reuters.

The setback follows Moscow's unsuccessful bid to return to the UN aviation agency's council, marking another diplomatic rebuke linked to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The London-based IMO regulates shipping safety, security and pollution, with 176 member states. Russia, a member since 1958, had consistently been re-elected until 2023. This year, it was the only candidate rejected among the 10 states with the largest interest in global shipping, a group that includes the US and China.

Russia's transport ministry called the vote unfair, claiming political confrontation has made its election "highly politicised." Prior to the vote, Moscow argued it remained an active participant in IMO work but accused the agency of straying from impartiality.

Ukraine opposed Russia's candidacy, urging members not to support it. Kiev said Moscow undermines global shipping safety and cannot claim a leading role in maritime governance, citing attacks on Ukraine's ports and infrastructure.