Russia seeks return to UN human rights body in challenge to West

FILE PHOTO: Russian Ambassador to the U.N. Vassily Nebenzia addresses members of the general assembly prior to a vote on a resolution condemning the annexation of parts of Ukraine by Russia, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., October 12, 2022. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado/File Photo

UNITED NATIONS/GENEVA (Reuters) - Russia is seeking re-election to the United Nations' top human rights body next week in what is seen as a crucial test of Western efforts to keep Moscow diplomatically isolated over its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Amid creeping signs of Ukraine war "fatigue", some diplomats say Russia has a reasonable chance of getting voted back onto the U.N. Human Rights Council in Tuesday's secret ballot, 18 months after it was ousted in a U.S.-led drive.