No one expected Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to withstand nearly one year. Since the start of the conflict, the world is divided into three groups. Those that support Ukraine, those who are impartial and those who defend Russia.
Ukraine’s success is linked to its underestimated capabilities mixed with strong Western support. But the cost of the war is still grim with thousands of Ukrainian civilians dead, and tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides killed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initially declared that his goals were to ‘liberate’ Ukraine and to ‘de-nazify’ the nation. But the Russian army has failed to fully occupy the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. But it has seized the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions – securing a land bridge to Crimea.
READ MORE: Rescue teams return from Turkey-Syria to hero’s welcome
Where do countries stand in the Russia-Ukraine conflict:
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) consists of 193 member nations. Every state is allowed to vote when deciding on resolutions. The resolutions, however, are non-binding but rather, it is seen as the expression of the will of the international community.
Vote 1 – Russia must withdraw troops from Ukraine
- In favour: 141
- Against: 5
- Abstain: 35
141 countries voted in favour of a UN resolution to demand that Russia completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine. The resolution needed a two-thirds majority to pass. The vote took place in March 2022.
South Africa, China and India are among the 35 countries that abstained. The five countries that voted against the vote were Belarus, Eritrea, Syria, North Korea…and Russia.
12 countries were absent from the vote.
READ MORE: Crime statistics record a spike in murder
Vote 2 – Consequences of the aggression
- In favour: 140
- Against: 5
- Abstain: 38
On March 24th, 140 nations of the Assembly voted in favour of demanding aid access to the Ukrainian people. They also criticized Russia for inciting a dire humanitarian situation. Ukraine and its allies drafted the plan. Five countries – Belarus, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Eritrea – voted against the resolution. Ten were absent.
Vote 3 – Suspend Russia from UN Human Rights Council
- In favour: 93
- Against: 24
- Abstain: 58
The UNHRC is responsible for protecting human rights across the globe. This US-backed decision saw less than 100 countries vote in favour of it. The discovery of dead bodies in the town of Bucha, near Kyiv, prompted the resolution. Earlier than day, the Russia delegation quit the Council in expectation of the vote.
READ MORE: Tazne van Wyk killer faces 9 terms in jail
Vote 4 – Condemn annexation of Ukraine territories
- In favour: 143
- Against: 5
- Abstain: 35
Russia formally announced its annexation of 4 partially occupied territories in Ukraine. Ukraine and its allies rejected it, calling the vote meaningless and illegal. In October last year, the Assembly voted to condemn Russia’s annexation and urged other countries not to acknowledge the move. 143 countries honoured the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Five countries – Belarus, North Korea, Nicaragua, Syria and Russia – voted against the plan. Countries like China, India South Africa refused to vote.
SOURCES – AL JAZEERA, COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS, PRINTLINE MEDIA
