The country's voting rights had been suspended for the past five years due to Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and its support for the eastern Ukraine separatists, which is leading a deadly conflict.

Russia had threatened to leave the council if its voting rights weren't restored by Wednesday, when members will vote for the new secretary general.

Ukraine did not shy away from expressing disappointment with the council's decision. The country's delegates said that the vote showed Europe's inability to rein in Russia before walking out of the room. 

Those who supported restoring Russia's voting rights said that Russian civilians would have nowhere to turn when they face injustice if Russia left the council, further worsening human rights in the country.

Russia has also refused to pay its annual fee of about $37.1 million since 2017, which makes up a significant part of the council's budget. With its voting rights restored, Russia will once again contribute financially to the council.

This is a big win for Moscow, especially given the increase in international scrutiny after investigators announced Kremlin connections to the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.