Conclusion of the debate on the letter dated 28 February 2014 from the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2014/136) - Item 5.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Wednesday deploring ‘in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine’ in violation of the UN Charter and demanding that Russia ‘immediately cease its use of force’ against eastern European country.
At the emergency session of the General Assembly today (02 Mar), 141 member states voted in favour of the resolution, which required a two-thirds majority to pass, while five voted against and 35 abstained.
The resolution demanded that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. It also deplored its decision to related to the status of certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine and demanded that Russia reverse the decision.
The resolution also deplored the involvement of Belarus in the ‘unlawful use of force against Ukraine’ and called upon it to abide by its international obligation.
Speaking to reporters following the vote, UN chief António Guterres said the message of the General Assembly is “loud and clear: End hostilities in Ukraine — now. Silence the guns — now. Open the door to dialogue and diplomacy — now.”
Guterres said the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine must be respected in line with the UN Charter. He added, “We don’t have a moment to lose. The brutal effects of the conflict are plain to see. But as bad as the situation is for the people in Ukraine right now, it threatens to get much, much worse. The ticking clock is a time bomb.”
The UN Secretary-General also expressed deep concern over the potential consequences for regional and global peace and security and “a world struggling to recover from COVID.” He said, “Today’s resolution reflects a central truth. The world wants an end to the tremendous human suffering in Ukraine.”
Looking ahead, Guterres said he would continue to do everything in his power to contribute to an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent negotiations for peace.
United States ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters that, today, “the world has spoken with a clear, united voice.” She said the “vast majority of the world has condemned Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified, unconscionable war.” She added, “We have demonstrated that Russia is isolated and alone, and that the costs will keep rising until Russia relents. We have affirmed the UN Charter, pledged to address the horrific human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and stood together in the battle for the soul of the world.”
Thomas-Greenfield stressed the importance of keeping the momentum going as the situation grows graver every day in Ukraine. She said Russia must be held accountable, adding that strong actions must match strong words.
The Head of the European Union delegation to the UN, Olof Skoog, said efforts at the Security Council were blocked by Russia, but noted that the General Assembly has upheld its responsibility with today’s vote. He said, “The message in this resolution is very, very clear. And the voting pattern is very, very clear. Russia stands isolated. Russia has been asked by the world to pull back, stop the aggression and seek diplomacy instead of war.”
Ukrainian ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya said the today was a “defining day,” adding that the UN is still alive and going through the process of catharsis.” He said, “. I believe in the United Nations, now people of Ukraine have more reasons to believe in the United Nations.”
Kyslytsya said the images of destroyed buildings in his country are horrifying but stressed that Ukraine would rebuild with the help of the international community.
The Ukrainian ambassador said the vote sent a powerful message to the Russian leadership. He added, “In spite of the horrific actions by the criminal regime of Putin, we still believe that there are citizens of Russia who maintain their dignity. So, when you tell me that Russia voted against, it's Putin's regime, criminals from Russia who voted against. It is the regime of Belarus who voted against, because there are wonderful Belarusian people who also fight for their freedom.”
Kyslytsya said his Mission was overwhelmed by the support it has been receiving and thanked all those who stood by Ukraine.
Screenshot Credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe
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