US President Joe Biden says the United Nations General Assembly has sent a “clear signal” to Moscow with the vote condemning Russia’s annexation attempt. “The stakes of this conflict are clear to everyone — and the world has a clear message in response: Russia cannot wipe a sovereign state off the map,” Biden said.
Out of 193 member states, 143 voted in favour, 5 against and 35 abstained, including major powers China and India. The conviction, two days after large-scale Russian shelling, has no consequences, but is also seen internationally as a sign that Russia is further isolating itself internationally. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called the vote “a powerful reminder that an overwhelming majority of countries are on the side of Ukraine”.
Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February, the UN had already denounced Russia’s “aggression” in the strongest terms. Russia disregarded the demand to immediately withdraw its armed forces. The call at the time was passed with 141 votes in favour, 5 against (Russia, Belarus, Eritrea, North Korea and Syria) and 35 abstentions. This time Nicaragua supported Russia instead of Eritrea.