Dominica is among the 141 of the 193 members states of the United Nations that voted overwhelmingly for a resolution deploring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and called for the immediate withdrawal of its forces, in a global expression of outrage that highlighted Russia’s increasing isolation.
In an emergency session of the UN’s general assembly, 141 of the member states voted for the resolution, 35 abstained, and five voted against.
The only countries to vote no in support of Moscow were Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, and Syria. Longstanding allies Cuba and Venezuela joined China in abstaining.
According to the resolution, the UN “deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine”.
It demanded that “the Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine” and “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces”.
The resolution is not legally binding but is an expression of the views of the UN membership, aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow and its ally, Belarus.
“It isn’t going to stop Russian forces in their stride, but it’s a pretty enormous diplomatic win for the Ukrainians and the US, and everyone who has got behind them,” Richard Gowan, UN director at the International Crisis Group, said.
