UN General Assembly condemns Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba took to Twitter to thank the 143 countries that voted in favor of the resolution.

The strong result exceeded even the expectations of the largest Western optimists. Prior to the vote, observers expected that a degree of war fatigue and dependence on Russia could reduce support for the resolution in many countries, particularly in Africa and Latin America. Some countries feel that the war in Ukraine is pushing destructive conflicts to the margins and standing in the way of progress.

During the emergency session of the General Assembly that began on Monday, diplomats from dozens of countries warned that any UN member state would have an interest in condemning Russia. “Today Russia invades Ukraine. But tomorrow it may be another country whose territory is being violated. It may be. It may be next,” said US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield.

Ukraine urged members to adopt the resolution, while Russia spoke of “dangerous polarization” at the United Nations. China on Thursday warned against bloc formation and a new Cold War and called for peace negotiations. Russia vetoed a similar resolution at the United Nations Security Council in late September. There are decisions that have a binding effect under international law. However, the permanent members, namely Russia, China, the United States, France and the United Kingdom, can block any veto.