143 countries vote to condemn Russia, 5 vote against [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• The UN General Assembly voted to condemn Russia’s move to annex parts of Ukraine.
• On Wednesday, 143 countries out of the 193-member body, voted in support of Ukraine.
• While 35 nations abstained from the vote, four countries joined Russia to vote against the measure. 

The UN General Assembly on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to condemn Russia’s annexation move of four territories in Ukraine.

Last month, Russia announced the annexation of partially-occupied territories in Ukraine — the Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. The UN General Assembly’s measure demands Russia reverse the land grab.

Wednesday’s vote revealed the body’s most staunch support for Ukraine. Out of its 193 member nations, 143 voted to condemn Russia’s move and 35 countries abstained from voting.

Only four countries — North Korea, Belarus, Syria, and Nicaragua — joined Russia to vote against the resolution. These countries have dictators as their leaders.

The remaining 10 countries did not vote but did not abstain either.

The German Foreign Office tweeted a photo of the results of the votes, saying: “That is what being on the wrong side of history looks like.”

The results are the most robust showing of support from the UN General Assembly for Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began in February. The UN General Assembly has already voted on four resolutions since February, including a demand for a cease-fire and a measure to suspend Russia from the UN’s Human Rights Council.

Wednesday’s vote also showed several nations that had previously abstained from or not voted on the prior measures joining the majority to vote “yes.” These countries include Bangladesh, Iraq, and Morocco. Surprisingly, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates voted “yes”.

Ukraine’s ambassador to the UN Sergiy Kyslytsya called the vote a “historic moment,” the Associated Press reported. European Union Ambassador Olof Skoog said the vote sends a message to Russia that they are “isolated.”

On Monday, the UN General Assembly gathered to overwhelmingly vetoed Russia’s effort to conduct the annexation vote via secret ballot. Ukraine’s delegate was met with applause during the initial gathering while Russia’s ambassador was greeted by silence, foreshadowing the conclusion to come.

Western countries had performed a significant lobbying effort to ensure Thursday’s resolution passed and celebrated the outcome as a reinvigorated sign of support for Ukraine.

Though not legally binding, the General Assembly’s resolutions are indicative of global attitude.

Source: Reuters