UN General Assembly adopts resolution calling on Russia to immediately cease fighting in Ukraine

United Nations General Assembly (body comprising all 193 member states) voted first on the Resolution introduced by France and Mexico (which was Ukraine and Western support), demanded that Russia cease military operations, withdraw troops and support humanitarian operations.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s resolution did not address political issues, focusing on humanitarian issues. Ukraine and Western countries do not agree with the content of South Africa’s draft because they think that this draft has many similarities with the draft that Russia has proposed at the Security Council.

The General Assembly is still voting on both drafts. The version proposed by France and Mexico was approved with 140 votes in favor, 5 votes against and 38 abstentions.

Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya speaks during a General Assembly meeting at United Nations headquarters, March 24, 2022. (Photo: AP)

The draft proposed by South Africa was not approved because two-thirds of the countries did not agree. After the vote, neutral countries said that humanitarian issues in Ukraine should not be politicized.

The humanitarian resolution proposed by France and Mexico is an addition to the resolution adopted by the General Assembly three weeks ago. In addition to reiterating the political views of the previous resolution, this resolution sets forth requirements for the protection of civilians, medical staff, humanitarian workers, journalists, hospitals and civilian infrastructure.

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