UNITED NATIONS: A draft United Nations General Assembly resolution due to be voted on at a special session next week calls for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and reaching peace that ensures Ukraine’s “sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.”
The General Assembly is expected to approve the resolution as it meets on February 23, the day before the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The draft resolution calls on the United Nations and member states to support diplomatic efforts to achieve peace.
The measure also demands Russia halt attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and to immediately withdraw all of its military forces from Ukraine.
General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they do carry political weight as a show of world opinion.
Similar action in the U.N. Security Council, which would be legally binding, is not an option since Russia holds one of the five permanent seats with veto power.
The General Assembly has already approved a series of resolutions showing support for Ukraine and criticism of Russia’s military action.
Days after Russia’s invasion, the body voted 141-5 demanding an immediate cease-fire and for Russia to withdraw all of its troops. Another resolution weeks later blamed Russia for a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and demanded access for aid.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday favorably portrayed the Kyiv government’s chances of taking the initiative on the battlefield against Russian forces.
(VOA/ Some material in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. National Security correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report).
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