Russia has used its veto on the United Nations Security Council to scuttle a draft resolution that sought to sentence its annexations of Ukrainian territory.
But even Moscow’s shut pals China and India selected to abstain relatively than vote towards the resolution that condemned the Kremlin’s newest actions in Ukraine.
United States ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield launched the resolution to the Security Council assembly on Friday that known as on member states to not recognise any altered standing of Ukraine and obliged Russia to withdraw its troops.
Earlier, the largest annexation in Europe since World War II was undertaken when Russian President Vladimir Putin proclaimed Russian rule over 4 areas that make up 15 p.c of Ukraine’s territory.
The resolution, co-sponsored by the US and Albania, known as for the condemnation of the “illegal” referendums held in Russian-occupied elements of Ukraine and for all states to not recognise any adjustments to Ukraine’s borders.
The resolution additionally known as on Russia to withdraw troops instantly from Ukraine, ending an invasion that was launched on February 24.
Ten nations voted in favour of the resolution, whereas China, Gabon, India and Brazil abstained.
“Not a single country voted with Russia. Not one,” Thomas-Greenfield instructed reporters after the assembly, including that the abstentions “clearly were not a defence of Russia”.
Russian ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia, who raised his hand to point the one vote towards the resolution, argued the areas, the place Moscow has seized territory by pressure and the place combating nonetheless rages, selected to be a part of Russia.
“There will be no turning back as today’s draft resolution would try to impose,” Nebenzia instructed the assembly.
Ukrainian ambassador to the UN Sergiy Kyslytsya stated the only hand raised towards the resolution “again testified to Russia’s isolation and his desperate attempts to deny reality in our common commitments, starting from the UN charter”.
The United Kingdom’s envoy, Barbara Woodward, stated Russia had “abused its veto to defend its illegal actions” however stated the annexations had “no legal effect”.
“It is a fantasy,” she added.
Al Jazeera’s James Bays, reporting from the United Nations in New York, stated in response to the resolution the Russian consultant “sounded incredulous”, and it was no shock that Russia then used its energy as a everlasting member of the Security Council to veto the resolution.
“But it’s notable that four other council members decided not to support the resolution, and instead to abstain – China, Brazil, Gabon and India,” Bays stated.
“Right after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, when the UN General Assembly voted at the beginning of March, 141 countries voted to deplore Russia’s actions. Following the Security Council vote, and the abstentions, some will be asking whether it’s possible to reach the high water mark again,” he stated.
The UK’s UN ambassador spoke to @AJEnglish after Russia’s veto within the UN Security Council of a draft resolution condemning annexation votes held in elements of occupied Ukraine.@UKUN_NewYork‘s @BWoodward_UN instructed @baysontheroad the problem will go to the General Assembly subsequent week. pic.twitter.com/rLgfYcrVhs
— Amanda Price (@amandaruthprice) September 30, 2022
Beijing uncomfortable
China abstained from voting on the resolution, but additionally raised issues about “a prolonged and expanded crisis” in Ukraine.
China has been firmly on the fence over the battle in Ukraine, criticizing Western sanctions towards Russia however stopping in need of endorsing or helping in Moscow’s navy marketing campaign, regardless of the 2 nations declaring a “no-limits” strategic partnership in February.
In a shock acknowledgement, Putin just lately stated China’s chief Xi Jinping had issues about Ukraine.
Beijing’s UN ambassador Zhang Jun argued that whereas “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be safeguarded”, nations’ “legitimate security concerns” also needs to be taken critically.
“Over seven months into the Ukraine crisis, the crisis and its spillover effects have had a wide range of negative impacts. The prospect of a prolonged and expanded crisis is also worrying. China is deeply concerned about this prospect,” the ambassador stated in an announcement.
Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Zhang Jun on the UN Security Council Draft Resolution on Ukrainehttps://t.co/o8HzQL0zf9 pic.twitter.com/xUm2bcsx5e
— Chinese Mission to UN (@Chinamission2un) October 1, 2022
A US official, who spoke on situation of anonymity, stated China’s abstention from the vote confirmed that Russia’s “sabre rattling” and strikes that threatened different states’ territorial integrity put China in an “uncomfortable position”.
“We don’t have China signing up for this much more aggressive agenda that Russia is trying to sell,” the official stated.
