AFP
News from the NOS•today, 02:33
The UN General Assembly voted against the Russian proposal to hold a secret ballot to condemn the illegal annexation of four Ukrainian regions.
According to Russia, such a vote was necessary because the “Western lobby” would otherwise have made it difficult for countries to take a public position.
But 107 of the 193 members of the General Assembly voted against that proposal. The annexes are then voted publicly. 13 countries voted against and 39 nations abstained, including China. The vote on the resolution can take place on Wednesday or Thursday.
Not binding
Russia “annexed” the Ukrainian regions of Lugansk, Zaporizhzhya, Donetsk and Kherson through bogus referendums late last month. This action has been condemned internationally by many countries.
Unlike United Nations Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not binding under international law. The next vote is therefore primarily seen as a look at global sentiment regarding the war in Ukraine.
Russia had previously vetoed a similar resolution in the Security Council condemning illegal annexations.
Similar to the Crimea
The situation is similar to that which occurred after the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014. At the time, Russia also vetoed a Security Council resolution against a controversial referendum in Crimea on joining Russia.
Subsequently, the General Assembly approved a resolution with 100 in favor, declaring the referendum by the Assembly null and void.
