The United States continues its diplomatic offensive in all directions so that the maximum number of countries support the draft resolution of the UN General Assembly condemning the annexation of four regions of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.
“We believe this is not the time for neutrality,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said Tuesday. “You can’t be neutral in such a situation,” he added to reporters.
The UN member states are discussing in the General Assembly a draft resolution submitted by Ukraine, as well as developed by the European Union. The Westerners are hoping to be overwhelmingly accepted in order to demonstrate the isolation of President Vladimir Putin’s Russia on the international stage.
According to diplomatic sources, the vote could take place on Wednesday or “probably” tomorrow, Thursday.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is stepping up his contacts with foreign leaders, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday, and with his counterparts internationally to ensure the greatest possible rallying. He has already called for the adoption of the text during his tour of Latin America last week, in Colombia, Chile and Peru, and during the general assembly of the Organization of American States last Thursday and last Friday in Lima.
On Tuesday, Mr. Blinken and Assistant Secretary of State Political Affairs Officer Victoria Nuland held an online chat with officials from about 100 countries and insisted that Russia “should be held accountable for its illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory.” US State Department spokesman Price.
During Monday’s debate in the General Assembly, Ukraine accused Russia of being a “terrorist state” killing civilians through massive bombings of infrastructure in Kyiv and other major cities, bombings condemned by the UN and the West.
In a recent vote in the Security Council, no member state supported Russia, but four (China, India, Brazil, Gabon) abstained.
While developing countries make no secret of their annoyance at the West’s focus on Ukraine, some of them may go with it this week.
A European official calculated that the draft resolution would receive 100 to 140 votes.
Source: RES-IPE
Source: Kathimerini
Anna White is a journalist at 247 News Reel, where she writes on world news and current events. She is known for her insightful analysis and compelling storytelling. Anna’s articles have been widely read and shared, earning her a reputation as a talented and respected journalist. She delivers in-depth and accurate understanding of the world’s most pressing issues.