UN General Assembly calls Russia's war against Ukraine as 'aggressive' for the first time
Photo: Russia's allies opposed the resolution
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on December 17 condemning human rights violations in Ukraine. The document, for the first time, described Russia's aggression as an "aggressive war," according to Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The resolution strongly condemns Russia's crimes against Ukraine, including the unlawful detention of Ukrainian civilians, the use of torture and abuse, and the discrimination of residents in temporarily occupied territories. For the first time, the UN referred to the aggressor's actions as "Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine."
"The adoption of the document signifies that the international community unequivocally condemns the crimes of the Russian occupiers, and every act of violence and human rights violation will receive due evaluation and punishment," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized.
The resolution was supported by 81 countries, with 80 abstentions and 14 countries voting against: Belarus, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Eritrea, Iran, China, Cuba, Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.
The document calls on Russia to end its aggressive war and withdraw all its military forces from Ukrainian territory.
Key provisions of the resolution include condemnation of Russia's ongoing disregard for international law regarding human rights and international humanitarian law. The document also focuses on the protection and repatriation of deported children.
Ukrainian President's Office Head Andriy Yermak has already responded to the UN decision.
"Grateful to the UN General Assembly and all member states for supporting the resolution on Russia’s human rights violations in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine," he wrote on Telegram.
