23/2/2023–|Last update: 2/24/202306:28 AM (Makkah)
The United Nations General Assembly, by 141 votes, adopted a resolution renewing Russia’s demand for the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of all its forces from the territory of Ukraine, and calling for the cessation of hostilities.
The resolution – submitted by Ukraine – stressed the need to reach as soon as possible a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, stressing the need to ensure accountability for “the most serious crimes committed in Ukraine” through fair and independent investigations and trials.
The resolution reaffirmed the General Assembly’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
One day after the Chinese foreign minister visited Moscow and pledged to deepen partnership with it, Beijing abstained from the vote, the fourth time it has abstained from participating in such a vote since the start of the war on February 24, 2022.
The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution on Thursday by 141 votes in favour, with 32 abstentions. Six countries joined Russia in opposing the resolution.
year after the war
With the passage of a year since the anniversary of the outbreak of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged to achieve victory over what he called the “invading forces”.
Zelensky stressed that his country was not broken, and he said, “We have overcome many ordeals and we will win. We will hold accountable all those who brought this evil, this war to our land, and all this terror, killing, torture and looting.”
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that his country will continue to strengthen its nuclear forces by land, sea and air, and said that this year will witness the entry of the first platforms of the “Sarmat” missile system into combat service.
He stressed that Moscow will continue the serial production of supersonic “Kinjal” missiles, noting that this year will witness the delivery of large quantities of “Zircon” supersonic missiles launched from the sea.
American support
In the context of US support for Ukraine, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan pledged to continue providing everything necessary for Kiev to ensure its victory in this battle, stressing that Washington would provide two billion dollars in an additional package of security assistance to Ukraine.
In a parallel context, the White House announced on Thursday that the United States will impose new “large-scale” sanctions on Russia.
“The United States will impose large-scale sanctions on vital sectors that generate revenue for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” White House spokeswoman Karen Jean-Pierre said – during a press conference.
European sanctions
On the other hand, diplomatic sources told Reuters that the European Union countries failed again to agree on a new package of sanctions that they were planning to impose on Russia on the first anniversary of its war on Ukraine, which falls on Friday.
The 27 European Union countries must agree unanimously to impose sanctions.
The sources said Poland was blocking the package over proposed exemptions from a ban on EU imports of Russian synthetic rubber.
