On Feb 23, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly voted on a resolution calling upon Russia to end the war and withdraw from Ukraine immediately.
Among other things, the UN resolution:
“Reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters,” and
“Reiterates its demand that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, and calls for a cessation of hostilities.”
The resolution also:
“Emphasizes the need to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law committed on the territory of Ukraine…”
How did the member states vote? Results below from un.org:
India, the world’s most populous democracy, chose to abstain, along with most of its South Asian neighbors, Iran and China. A number of African countries, including South Africa, also abstained.
The vote, though garnering an overwhelming majority, is largely symbolic. It does not change anything on the ground. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues apace. But it serves to highlight the fact that a large number of countries in the world condemn Russia’s aggression one year after the war began.
The Moving Hand Writes 