On February 25, Russia vetoed a Security Council resolution condemning it for its invasion of Ukraine and demanding the full, immediate, and unconditional withdrawal of its forces. Such is its inherent right as one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. Already in 1950 members of the United Nations understood that in some circumstances this right paralyzes the body in charge of maintaining international peace and security, and adopted a resolution called “Uniting for Peace,” which allows the General Assembly to fulfill its commitment to peacekeeping and recommend collective action to members in situations where there is a threat and violation of peace, including "the use of armed force when necessary." Although this is only a recommendation, an overwhelming two-thirds majority of the voters is required to adopt the decision.
As such, a motion similar to the one that Russia vetoed in the Security Council was submitted to the General Assembly, and in a vote held on March 2, Russia was defeated when 141 countries out of 181 voted in favor of condemning Moscow, with a demand that it withdraw its forces immediately. Four countries (North Korea, Belarus, Syria, and Eritrea) voted against the condemnation, while 35 abstained.
Israel's support for the decision was not automatic, as along with the desire to identify with the liberal states led by the US and the EU were considerations of Russia's role in a number of vital security issues. China's abstention raises a question mark, in light of its closer ties with Russia, evidenced by Putin's visit to Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics and the joint manifest by Putin and host Xi Jinping that challenges the US's position to lead the current world order. India's abstention is equally interesting, despite the ongoing dialogue with the US and the common concern by both regarding China's empowerment. This can be explained by the importance of importing natural gas and coal from Russia and the security procurement of the Russian S-400 air defense system. Arab states were divided – Syria of course opposed, Algeria, Iraq, Sudan, and Southern Sudan abstained, and the UAE, which abstained from voting in the Security Council, moved to support the resolution in the General Assembly. Perhaps US persuasion efforts in several countries in the region achieved their goal. Turkey, despite its geographical proximity and close dialogue with Russia, supported condemnation like other NATO members, while Iran, despite its numerous ties with Russia, abstained.
Although the decision of the assembly is a recommendation only and has no "teeth," it is a rare political defeat for Russia. The veto in the UN Security Council gives Russia very partial protection from steps against it. Countries can and have already imposed severe economic sanctions on Russia, even without the backing of the Council. Both Europe and NATO, which favor the backing of a UN resolution on military action, may be content with a resolution passed by the General Assembly by an overwhelming majority.
On February 25, Russia vetoed a Security Council resolution condemning it for its invasion of Ukraine and demanding the full, immediate, and unconditional withdrawal of its forces. Such is its inherent right as one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. Already in 1950 members of the United Nations understood that in some circumstances this right paralyzes the body in charge of maintaining international peace and security, and adopted a resolution called “Uniting for Peace,” which allows the General Assembly to fulfill its commitment to peacekeeping and recommend collective action to members in situations where there is a threat and violation of peace, including "the use of armed force when necessary." Although this is only a recommendation, an overwhelming two-thirds majority of the voters is required to adopt the decision.
As such, a motion similar to the one that Russia vetoed in the Security Council was submitted to the General Assembly, and in a vote held on March 2, Russia was defeated when 141 countries out of 181 voted in favor of condemning Moscow, with a demand that it withdraw its forces immediately. Four countries (North Korea, Belarus, Syria, and Eritrea) voted against the condemnation, while 35 abstained.
Israel's support for the decision was not automatic, as along with the desire to identify with the liberal states led by the US and the EU were considerations of Russia's role in a number of vital security issues. China's abstention raises a question mark, in light of its closer ties with Russia, evidenced by Putin's visit to Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics and the joint manifest by Putin and host Xi Jinping that challenges the US's position to lead the current world order. India's abstention is equally interesting, despite the ongoing dialogue with the US and the common concern by both regarding China's empowerment. This can be explained by the importance of importing natural gas and coal from Russia and the security procurement of the Russian S-400 air defense system. Arab states were divided – Syria of course opposed, Algeria, Iraq, Sudan, and Southern Sudan abstained, and the UAE, which abstained from voting in the Security Council, moved to support the resolution in the General Assembly. Perhaps US persuasion efforts in several countries in the region achieved their goal. Turkey, despite its geographical proximity and close dialogue with Russia, supported condemnation like other NATO members, while Iran, despite its numerous ties with Russia, abstained.
Although the decision of the assembly is a recommendation only and has no "teeth," it is a rare political defeat for Russia. The veto in the UN Security Council gives Russia very partial protection from steps against it. Countries can and have already imposed severe economic sanctions on Russia, even without the backing of the Council. Both Europe and NATO, which favor the backing of a UN resolution on military action, may be content with a resolution passed by the General Assembly by an overwhelming majority.