WASHINGTON — Wednesday’s vote by the U.N. General Assembly was to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. It also demanded that Moscow cease fighting and withdraw its military force.
The General Assembly voted to Aggression against Ukraine by 141-5 with 35 abstentions. It was co-sponsored and sponsored by 94 countries. Five countries voted against the measure, including Russia, Belarus and Syria as well as North Korea, Eritrea, North Korea, and North Korea.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield (the U.S. ambassador at the U.N.), stated Wednesday that she believes this was a simple vote. Vote yes if U.N. member countries, including yours, believe they have the right to sovereignty or territorial integrity.
She said that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin should be held accountable for his actions and asked voters to vote yes. Vote “Yes” if you support the U.N. Charter, and all that this institution stands for.
Last week, Russia vetoed a similar resolution in the Security Council.
Based on footage she had seen, Thomas-Greenfield claimed that Russian forces moved “exceptionally lethal weaponry to Ukraine.” She didn’t show the videos.
She continued, “That includes vacuum bombs and cluster munitions, which are prohibited under the Geneva Convention.”
Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-States-Colorado) and Rep. Victoria Spartz (Republican-Ind.) announced Wednesday that they had offered separate resolutions to urge the International Criminal Court as well the International Court of Justice, to investigate Putin for war crimes, crimes against humanity and other charges. Some critics have cited these charges for the use of weapons described by Thomas-Greenfield.
Graham stated at a news conference that “there will be a day when rule of law will override rule of gun”
Graham stated that he hopes to win bipartisan support for the resolution calling on Putin to be held accountable.
“This is a proper exercise in jurisdiction. He said that this is the purpose of the court.
