The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution calling for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine on the 23rd.
[New York = Takahiro Sugito]One year after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly (193 countries) was held on the afternoon of the 23rd (the morning of the 24th in Japan time), with the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and international It adopted a resolution calling for investigation and prosecution of serious crimes of law. A total of 141 countries supported the move, demonstrating once again the strong condemnation of Russia by the international community, centered on the United States and Europe.
The resolution was proposed by Ukraine. More than 70 co-sponsors, including Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, have shown strong support. Seven countries are opposed: Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua and Syria. Thirty-two countries, including China, India and South Africa, abstained, showing consideration for Russia. 13 countries did not vote.
More than 90 people, including representatives from various countries, gave speeches at the meeting held for two days from the 22nd, and many criticized Russia’s violation of the UN Charter. Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi stressed that Japan should “refrain from directly or indirectly supporting (Russia’s) aggression.”
Sixth General Assembly resolution on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The resolution calls for a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine” in accordance with the UN Charter, including an end to attacks on civilian infrastructure and a full exchange of prisoners of war. Although General Assembly resolutions do not have the binding power of Security Council resolutions, they have political significance that indicates the will of member states.
