93 countries voted in favor of the draft resolution, 24 countries voted against it, 58 countries did not participate. Those to abstain include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the UAE.
India, which abstained from voting, said “we continue to remain deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation” and reiterated its call to end all hostilities.
When innocent human lives are at stake, diplomacy should prevail as the only viable option. The impact of the crisis has been felt beyond the region as well, especially for many developing countries with rising food and energy costs. It is in our collective interest to work constructively towards an early resolution of the conflict, both inside and outside the United Nations, said TS Tirumurti, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
“The recent reports of civilian killings in Bucha are very disturbing. We categorically condemn these killings and support the call for an independent investigation,” he said.
It was the third resolution adopted by the 193-member General Assembly since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine on 24 February. The last two General Assembly resolutions condemning Russia were adopted by a vote of 141 and 140 in favor.
Since January this year, India has blocked procedural votes and draft resolutions in the UN Security Council, the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council that condemned the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Watch UNGA suspends Russia from human rights body; India abstains from voting