The UN’s General Assembly has approved a resolution calling for Russia to be held accountable for its invasion of Ukraine and violating international law, despite despot Vladimir Putin’s best efforts at avoiding repercussions for starting the war. Such repercussions include reparations paid by the dictatorship.
The General Assembly is distinct from the 15-member Security Council, which is the UN’s most powerful body. Putin has been able to utilise his veto in the Security Council to block it from taking any action against Russia since the war began on February 24 – but he has no such power within the General Assembly, which has in the past adopted four resolutions critical of the invasion.
The resolution, successfully voted through today, recognizes the need to establish “an international mechanism for reparation for damage, loss or injury’” arising from Russia’s “wrongful acts” against Ukraine.
The assembly’s member nations are being urged to cooperate with Ukraine in forming an “international register” in order to document claims and information on damage, loss or injury to Ukrainians.
Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding.
However, they are considered a reflection of world opinion, and have demonstrated widespread opposition to Russia’s military action.
It will also help to strengthen Ukrainian morale and factilitate Kyiv’s ability to report war crimes and other damages.
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There were 73 abstentions from the vote, in which 193 members could take part. The vote was 94 in favour of Russia being held accountable, and 14 against.
Russia is widely expected to ignore the resolution.
China voted against it, as did allies Belarus, North Korea and Iran – the latter of which has recently been supplying so-called “kamikaze drones” to aid Russian forces.
A notable vote in favour of punishing Russia came from Turkey, who has previously aimed to act neutrally in the war and maintain a working relationship with the Kremlin.