The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution demanding that Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine and end the fighting. The resolution, which was adopted by a recorded vote of 141 in favour, 7 against, and 32 abstentions, reaffirmed Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity and urged a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace”.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba welcomed the resolution’s adoption, saying that it “sets the perception” and “shows who stands where”. The vote comes a year after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, which President Vladimir Putin has described as a “special military operation”.
The vote is a clear indication that most countries around the world remain deeply disturbed by Russia’s actions. This is evident when compared to the last UNGA vote about the war in October last year, which saw 143 countries back the resolution condemning Russia for annexing four regions of Ukraine, with 35 countries abstaining and five, including Russia, voting against it.
The resolution adopted by the UNGA calls for an end to the fighting and a return to peace in Ukraine. It also calls for the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements, which were signed in 2015 to bring an end to the conflict. The resolution also urges all parties to take steps to ensure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The UNGA vote is a strong signal that the international community is united in its condemnation of Russia’s actions and its desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It is now up to all parties involved to take steps to ensure that this resolution is implemented and that peace is restored in Ukraine.