Qatar has voted on a UN resolution demanding the “immediate and complete” withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, as the invasion of the country continues.
The resolution, which gathered a vote of 141 countries out of 193 members at the UN General Assembly, had countries that voted collectively by deploring in the strongest terms Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
However, a total of 35 countries abstained from voting, while five voted against.
Among the countries that voted against the resolution were North Korea, Eritrea, Belarus, Syria and Russia.
The US State Department appreciated Qatar, and other members that voted in favour of the resolution.
While Israel voted in favour of the resolution, it still continues its illegal occupation of Palestine.
The vote has strengthened the stance of each country. The members that voted on the resolution have acknowledged that Russia’s actions violate UN Charters. The countries also expressed their dissatisfaction with the Russian decision on 21st February about the status of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions (also known as Donbas) of Ukraine.
The resolution said “[UN members deplore Russia’s] decision related to the status of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine as a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”
Speaking to the press, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said that the majority vote gives a “loud and clear” message to Russia to end its hostilities in Ukraine.
Guterres further said that “Looking ahead, I will continue to do everything in my power to contribute to an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent negotiations for peace.”
Meanwhile, yesterday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, on a telephonic conversation with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,
discussed about the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the bilateral ties and developments of between Qatar and Ukraine.
“I am grateful for the unconditional support to Ukraine in such a difficult time,” Zelensky tweeted.
This was the second such conversation to happen between Qatar and Ukraine in a week.
Qatar has sought protection of Ukraine’s territorial integrity as Russia continues its military advances in the country.
