The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and a lasting peace in Ukraine, marking four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
A total of 107-member states on Tuesday voted in favour of the resolution, while 12 opposed it and 51 abstained, including the United States (U.S.).
The resolution urged an “immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine and called for a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with international law.”
It reaffirmed the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity under the UN Charter.
President of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, said the text reiterated positions previously adopted by the body, stressing that peace must be grounded in respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the rules-based international order.
Baerbock told German broadcaster ARD that the U.S. delegation had proposed amendments seeking to remove references to a “just and lasting peace” and to the UN Charter.
The amendments were rejected by a large majority.
Following the rejection of its proposals, the U.S. abstained in the final vote.
In its explanation of the vote, the U.S. delegation said it welcomed calls for an immediate ceasefire but argued that certain language in the resolution could distract from ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
“We believe we are closer to a deal than at any point since this war began,” the U.S. mission to the UN said, emphasising the need for political will to end the conflict.
The United Nations Security Council was also set to convene on the anniversary.
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, renewed his call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, describing the war as a “stain on our collective consciousness.”
Tens of thousands have been killed or injured and millions displaced since the war began in February 2022.
In spite of mediation efforts, including by the U.S., no breakthrough has yet been achieved. (dpa/NAN)
