The UN General Assembly condemns the annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia
Time to Read: 2 minute
UN members voted overwhelmingly to condemn Russia for annexing Ukraine's territories
The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to condemn Russia's annexation of a large part of Ukraine's territories and demanded that Russia withdraw its troops from those areas. Saudi Arabia was among the nations that voted in favor of the resolution, the world body said in a statement .
By a 143-5 margin, the General Assembly condemned Russia's “illegal annexation attempt” of four Ukrainian territories and called on Russia to “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces.”
Las cinco naciones que votaron en contra de la medida fueron Rusia, Siria, Nicaragua, Corea del Norte y Bielorrusia. China estuvo entre las 35 naciones que se abstuvieron de votar.
BREAKING
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) October 12, 2022
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that condemns #Russia's "illegal so-called referendums" in regions within #Ukraine's internationally-recognized borders, and demands it reverses its annexation declaration.
In favour: 143
Against: 5
Abstentions: 35 pic.twitter.com/MDDIapqTGv
The resolution, which “defends the principles” of the UN Charter, points out that the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions are temporarily occupied by Russia as a result of aggression, violating the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence from Ukraine.
The General Assembly automatically took up the resolution for debate, prompted by Russia's use of the veto in the Security Council when its annexation attempt was denounced.
The resolution, which also called on nations to “refrain from any action that could be construed as recognition of such altered status,” marked the strongest support to date for Ukraine by the 193-nation General Assembly since the start of the Russian invasion.
Russia described the resolution as a “politicized and openly provocative” instrument and assured that it is a confrontational message that “could destroy all efforts in favor of a diplomatic solution to the crisis.”
Biden praised the resolution recognizing Ukraine
President Joe Biden said Wednesday that the world has shown its unity with the UN General Assembly vote to condemn “illegal referendums” held in four Ukrainian regions and Russia's attempts to annex those territories.
Biden accused Russia of having attacked the essence of the United Nations Charter and of breaking the very foundations of international peace and security.
“The world has sent a clear message in its response: Russia cannot wipe a sovereign state off the map. She cannot change borders by force. She cannot appropriate a territory of another country, ”said President Biden.