UN resolution calls on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine
UN General Assembly votes on a resolution on Ukraine on February 23, 2023 (Photo:REUTERS/Mike Segar)
With 141 out of 193 votes, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution calling on Russia to immediately withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, UN Press Office announced on Feb. 23.
Seven countries voted against the motion (Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua, Russia, Syria), and 32 abstained (most notably – China, India, and South Africa). The document consolidates key points of the Ukrainian peace formula.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on national TV that the resolution contains harsh language regarding Russia's responsibility and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.
“We structured the resolution so that it, in fact, reflects the elements of the peace formula proposed by President Zelenskyy,” Kuleba said.
He also noted the resolution – just as it precursor did in March 2022 – received 141 votes, meaning that support for Ukraine hasn’t wavered in almost a year of war.
The UN resolution reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, and Russia is called upon to immediately and completely withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine. The document also calls for international prosecution of those responsible for war crimes, exchange of prisoners of war, release of all illegally detained and forcibly deported people. The resolution also calls for an immediate end to attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure and civilian facilities.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Twitter thanked the countries that supported the resolution.
"This resolution is a powerful signal of unrelenting global support for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy wrote.
“A testament of the solidarity of the international community with the Ukrainian people in the context of the anniversary of the full-scale aggression by the Russian Federation. A powerful manifestation of global support for the Ukrainian formula of peace!"
The Washington Post reports that foreign ministers and diplomats from more than 75 countries addressed the General Assembly during the two days of debate, many of them calling to support the resolution.
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