Six countries join Russia in opposing UN’s resolution for peace in Ukraine

Six countries sided with Russia during a United Nations General Assembly resolution on Thursday, in which 141 countries voted to end hostilities in Ukraine and for Russia to withdraw its forces.

Belarus, North Korea, Syria, Eritrea, Mali and Nicaragua all joined Russia in opposing the declaration. 

While the resolution does not force Russia into leaving Ukraine, it signifies an international censure against Moscow’s aggression.

The vote marks a slight increase from the four countries who voted against an October resolution denouncing Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories. Mali and Eritrea abstained from the vote during that time.

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Germany’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock address the United Nations General Assembly before a vote for a U.N. resolution upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity and calling for a cessation of hostilities after Russia’s invasion, Thursday Feb. 23, 2023, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

The six countries opposing the resolution have developed close military ties with Russia. Amendments proposed by Belarus would have stripped much of the resolution’s language but were resoundingly defeated.

Countries who abstained during Thursday’s vote included South Africa, China and India. 

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba took the 141-7 vote as a victory, saying it represents global support for Ukraine.

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Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Representative of the United States to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

“This vote defies the argument that the global south does not stand on Ukraine’s side,” Kuleba said. “Many countries representing Latin America, Africa, Asia voted in favor.”

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Friday will mark one year since Russian military forces invaded Ukraine. The war has killed tens of thousands on both sides, demolishing entire Ukrainian cities and causing higher food and fuel costs prices worldwide.

A Russian soldier climbs stairs at the Mariupol drama theatre, hit on March 16 by an airstrike, on April 12, 2022, in Mariupol, as Russian troops intensify a campaign to take the strategic port city, part of an anticipated massive onslaught across eastern Ukraine, while Russia’s President makes a defiant case for the war on Russia’s neighbor.  (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP)

The Associated Press contributed to this report.