UN General Assembly Agrees On Humanitarian Resolution In Ukraine: Russian Ambassador Calls False, Indonesia Emphasizes Four Things

Illustration of the United Nations General Assembly. (Wikimedia Commons/Basil D Soufi)

JAKARTA - Nearly three-quarters of the members of the United Nations General Assembly demanded access to aid and civilian protection in Ukraine on Thursday, criticizing Russia for creating a "terrible" humanitarian situation after Moscow invaded its neighbor one month ago.

It is the second time the 193-member General Assembly has isolated Russia over what Moscow calls a 'special military operation', which it says aims to destroy Ukraine's military infrastructure.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres denounced Russia's 'absurd war'. Thousands of people have died in Ukraine, millions have been displaced and cities destroyed in the past month.

The resolution adopted on Thursday, drafted by Ukraine and its allies, received 140 votes in favor and five against, Russia, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea and Belarus, while 38 countries, including China, abstained.

Although General Assembly Resolutions are not binding, they have political weight. Thus, there was a standing ovation in the hall after the adoption on Thursday.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described the resolution adopted on Thursday as a "quasi-humanitarian draft" that takes a "one-sided view of the situation."

He again accused Western countries of campaigning "unprecedented pressure" to win votes, a claim the United States has denied.

It is understood that Ukraine and its allies have been looking to match or increase the support received for the March 2 General Assembly resolution, which deplores Russia's aggression and demands it withdraw troops. It received 141 yes votes, five no votes, while 35 countries, including China, abstained.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, describing Thursday's vote as a tremendous success, told reporters: "There's really no difference between 141 and 140."

The resolution adopted on Thursday demands the protection of civilians, medical personnel, aid workers, journalists, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure. The resolution also demands an end to the sieges of cities, particularly Mariupol.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ambassador to the United Nations Arramanatha Nasir said that Indonesia was actively involved in discussing the resolution, by providing constructive input.

"Indonesia's input is to ensure an immediate de-escalation of the conflict, guarantee access to humanitarian aid, guarantee safe passage and evacuation of civilians, and encourage negotiations and dialogue to resolve conflicts," he explained in a written statement.

He emphasized that Indonesia's only goal is to ensure that the international community can immediately address the deteriorating situation in Ukraine.

"For Indonesia, prioritizing a humanitarian approach in the midst of war is a principle. In every opportunity in discussing the Ukraine issue at the UN General Assembly, Indonesia consistently calls for an immediate end to the war, overcoming humanitarian problems, and encouraging progress in dialogue and negotiations between all parties in Ukraine," he explained.

"Indonesia continues to convey the same thing bilaterally to key countries. This is done by Indonesia because, if the situation in Ukraine is prolonged, the negative impact will not only be felt in Europe, but also in various countries around the world," he said.

He added that Indonesia would continue to encourage efforts at the United Nations to stop the war in Ukraine.