UNITED NATIONS, March 22 – Russia is trying to tone down Western-led efforts at the United Nations to further isolate Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine, with the Security Council and General Assembly preparing to debate competing measures this week humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Since Russia launched a so-called “special military operation” to destroy Ukraine’s military infrastructure on February 24, diplomatic skirmishes have escalated in the world body.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday slammed Russia’s “absurd war” and warned that “continuing the war in Ukraine is morally unacceptable, politically indefensible and militarily senseless.” Continue reading
The 193-strong UN General Assembly is facing competing draft resolutions calling for both access to aid and protection for civilians, medical workers and aid workers in Ukraine. But only one text penned by Ukraine and its allies, due to be voted on this week, criticizes Russia’s role in creating the crisis.
The second draft from South Africa makes no mention of Russia and it was not immediately clear when a vote might take place. In comments on its proposal, seen by Reuters, South Africa argued: “Finding consensus on humanitarian issues remains crucial.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said last week he would resist calls to condemn Russia and accused NATO of fueling the conflict. Continue reading
Britain’s Ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward, told reporters on Tuesday that talks are underway with South Africa on how “we can come to a text that would have broad support in the General Assembly without having two votes.”
Ukraine and its allies are trying to improve the 141 yes votes cast to adopt a March 2 General Assembly resolution deploring Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine and calling for its withdrawal. Russia, Belarus, Eritrea, North Korea and Syria voted no, while 35 countries – including China – abstained. Continue reading
“We still hope to get the same numbers that isolated Russia last time,” US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters on Tuesday.
‘ABSOLUTELY’
Amid the competing draft resolutions, UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric stressed on Tuesday that unity is most beneficial: “This organization is strongest when it speaks with one voice.”
General Assembly resolutions are non-binding but carry political weight. The March 2 vote highlighted Russia’s international isolation over its invasion of Ukraine. While Russia is a veto power in the 15-member Security Council, no country can block a General Assembly resolution.
South Africa’s move at the General Assembly is similar to a text Russia proposed in the Security Council last week. South Africa’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Xolisa Mfundiso Mabhongo, said the draft General Assembly resolution was “a purely South African initiative. It is not inspired by Russia”.
Russia asked the Security Council to vote on its draft proposal on Wednesday, but diplomats say it will fail, with most members of the body likely to abstain because it makes no reference to Russia’s role.
Russia’s deputy ambassador to the UN, Dmitry Polyansky, described Moscow’s draft on Tuesday as aiming to help humanitarian organizations “without any politicization”.
“It is absolutely ruthless that Russia thinks it can present a humanitarian resolution,” Thomas-Greenfield said, describing it as “like the arsonist calling on the neighbors to help him put out the fire he started.” .
Moscow scrapped a planned Security Council vote last Friday after accusing Western countries of an “unprecedented pressure campaign” against the measure. The United States denied Russia’s accusation. Continue reading
Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Edited by Mary Milliken and Rosalba O’Brien