Six countries on Thursday sided with Russia against a United Nations General Assembly resolution that called for peace in Ukraine and for Russia to withdraw its forces.
The resolution passed with 141 countries voting in its favor, and 32 countries abstained including South Africa, China, India, and Pakistan.
The resolution however, is not binding and does not force Russia into leaving Ukraine. Binding enforcement actions are up to the U.N. Security Council, where Russia has unilateral veto power as a permanent member of the council.
The six countries that joined Russia to vote against the resolution were Belarus, North Korea, Syria, Eritrea, Mali and Nicaragua.
That number shows an increase from the four that voted along with Russia against an October resolution denouncing Russia’s annexation of four occupied regions of Ukraine. Belarus, North Korea, Syria and Nicaragua voted against that resolution, while Mali and Eritrea were among the abstainers.
On a resolution last March calling on Russia to “immediately, completely and unconditionally” withdraw from Ukraine, Nicaragua and Mali abstained from the vote, while Eritrea joined the other dissenters in opposing it.
Friday will mark one year since Russian military forces invaded Ukraine. The war has killed tens of thousands on both sides, with Ukrainian cities destroyed.
The war will reach its first anniversary on Friday. Russia is expected to ramp up its spring offensive in the weeks ahead, while Ukraine is also planning renewed counteroffensives.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.