Watch the video: UN General Assembly condemned Russia’s annexations in Ukraine.
The United Nations General Assembly has condemned Moscow’s moves to annex occupied territories in Ukraine by a large majority. All countries are asked not to recognize the “attempted illegal annexation,” it said on Wednesday. 143 of the 193 members of the body vote in favor of the resolution, which also reaffirms Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Five voted against, 35 abstained. US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield had previously appealed to member countries: “Today it is Russia invading Ukraine, but tomorrow it could be another nation whose territory is violated. It could be you . You could be next. What would you expect from this chamber? Our message is loud and clear. It doesn’t matter whether you are a nation big or small, rich or poor, old or new. If you are a member of the United Nations your borders are your own and protected by international law.” Sharp criticism, however, came from Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia. “Today the General Assembly was presented with a politicized and openly provocative document that not only ignores all the facts, but also contains an accusation that could derail any effort to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine.” In addition to Russia, Syria, Nicaragua, North Korea and Belarus voted against the resolution. Among the 35 countries that abstained is Russia’s strategic partner China. The other countries did not take part in the voting.
