The United Nations General Assembly approved a nonbinding resolution Thursday on the eve of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The resolution calls for Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its forces. It is meant to send a strong message that Moscow’s aggression must stop.
Ukraine, in consultation with its allies, drafted the resolution. It passed with 141 nations voting in favor. Seven voted against, and 32 abstained. (When one abstains, it means one elects not to cast a vote either way.)
Dmytro Kuleba is the Ukrainian Foreign Minister. He says the vote is more evidence that not only the West backs his country.
“This vote defies the argument that the global south does not stand on Ukraine’s side,” Kuleba says. “Many countries representing Latin America, Africa, Asia voted in favor.”
U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan calls the vote “an overwhelming demonstration of support for Ukraine.” He also says it was “a clear defense of freedom for people everywhere.”
The General Assembly has become the most important U.N. body dealing with Ukraine. That’s because Russia holds a seat on the Security Council. That council is charged with maintaining international peace and security. However, it is paralyzed by Russia’s veto power.
But Security Council resolutions are legally binding. General Assembly resolutions are not. They do, however, serve as a barometer (a measure) of world opinion.
The seven countries that voted against Thursday’s resolution were Belarus, Nicaragua, Russia, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea, and Mali. That West African nation developed close military ties with Russia over the last few years, as Russia offered help with violent insurgents in Mali.
Foreign ministers and diplomats from more than 75 countries addressed the assembly during two days of debate. Many urged support for the resolution that upholds Ukraine’s territorial integrity. That is a basic principle of the U.N. Charter. All countries must subscribe to it when they join the world organization.
A year in, the war has killed tens of thousands on both sides. It reduced entire Ukrainian cities to ruins. People across the world feel its impact in higher food and fuel costs and rising inflation.
China says it is neutral in the conflict. It claims to advocate for peace talks. But that nation has not criticized the invasion. Beijing condemned the United States and its allies over sanctions on Moscow and military assistance to Ukraine. China and Russia have increasingly aligned their foreign policies to oppose the U.S.-led international order.
Other nations felt the burden of choosing between world powers. Uganda’s foreign minister, Abubaker Jeje Odongo, noted that Russia is Africa’s top arms supplier. Most of Uganda’s military equipment is Russian-made. How might voting to oppose Russia in its war work to destabilize his country’s military security?
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. — Psalm 34:14
(Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Minister of Ukraine, speaks after a U.N. General Assembly vote on February 23, 2023. The assembly voted in favor of a resolution upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity and calling for a cessation of hostilities after Russia’s invasion. AP/John Minchillo)
