Ukraine Wins Major Victory at UN as Russia’s Aggression Condemned
The United Nations General Assembly has refused to approve a US-backed resolution urging an end to the war without mentioning Moscow’s aggression. Instead, it approved a European-backed Ukrainian resolution demanding Russia immediately withdraw its forces, which the Trump administration opposed.
The vote was a setback for the Trump administration, which had tried to pressure Ukraine to withdraw its resolution in favor of its proposal. Ukraine refused, and the assembly approved three European-proposed amendments adding language to the US proposal making clear that Russia invaded its smaller neighbor in violation of the UN Charter.
The vote was 93-18, with 65 abstentions, a lower turnout than previous votes, which saw more than 140 nations condemn Russia’s aggression and demand its immediate withdrawal.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa said her country is exercising its "inherent right to self-defense" following Russia’s invasion, which violates the UN Charter’s requirement that countries respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations.
"Three years of devastation – Russia’s full-scale invasion against Ukraine – we call on all nations to stand firm and take… the side of the Charter, the side of humanity, and the side of just and lasting peace, peace through strength," she said.
The assembly’s refusal to approve the US-backed resolution was a victory for Ukraine, which has been seeking international recognition and support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The resolution passed 93-8, with 73 abstentions, with Ukraine voting "yes," the US abstaining, and Russia voting "no."
The UN General Assembly has become the most important UN body on Ukraine, as the 15-member Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security, has been paralyzed by Russia’s veto power.
Since Russian forces stormed across the border on February 24, 2022, the General Assembly has approved half a dozen resolutions that have condemned the invasion and demanded the immediate pullout of Russian troops.
Conclusion:
The UN General Assembly’s refusal to approve the US-backed resolution and the approval of the European-backed Ukrainian resolution are a significant victory for Ukraine and a setback for Russia. The resolution passed with a majority vote, with the US abstaining and Russia voting against. The assembly’s decision recognizes Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and demands Russia’s immediate withdrawal of its forces from Ukrainian territory.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What was the outcome of the UN General Assembly vote on Ukraine?
The assembly refused to approve the US-backed resolution and approved the European-backed Ukrainian resolution demanding Russia’s immediate withdrawal of its forces. - What was the vote on the US-backed resolution?
The vote was 93-8, with 73 abstentions, with Ukraine voting "yes," the US abstaining, and Russia voting "no." - What is the significance of the UN General Assembly’s decision?
The decision recognizes Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and demands Russia’s immediate withdrawal of its forces from Ukrainian territory. - What is the current situation in Ukraine?
Ukraine is facing an ongoing conflict with Russia, which has been occupying parts of Ukrainian territory since February 24, 2022. - What is the UN’s role in resolving the conflict?
The UN General Assembly has approved several resolutions condemning the invasion and demanding the immediate pullout of Russian troops. However, the 15-member Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security, has been paralyzed by Russia’s veto power.
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