The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution calling for Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine one year after the resolution’s adoption. The resolution, which was passed by a vote of 14-1, with Russia as the only dissenting vote, is a significant step towards resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The resolution was introduced by the United States, which has been a vocal critic of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The resolution calls on Russia to immediately withdraw its troops from Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, and to end its support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.
The resolution also calls for unrestricted access for humanitarian aid to be provided to those affected by the conflict, and for the release of all Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia and the separatist rebels. The resolution reaffirms the Security Council’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and calls for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Russia, which vetoed a similar resolution in 2014, has rejected the latest resolution, calling it “unacceptable” and “provocative.” Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, accused the United States of “demonizing Russia” and said that the resolution was “politically motivated.”
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia began in 2014, when protests in Ukraine led to the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Russia responded by annexing Crimea and supporting separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, sparking a conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives.
The resolution passed by the UN Security Council is seen as a significant diplomatic victory for Ukraine, which has been seeking international support in its efforts to end the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the resolution as a “powerful message” to Russia, and called on Russia to “stop the aggression and leave our land.”
The resolution is also a significant moment for the United Nations, which has been criticized in the past for its inability to effectively address the conflict in Ukraine. The resolution’s passage demonstrates the Security Council’s commitment to maintaining international peace and security, and its willingness to take decisive action to resolve conflicts.
However, it remains to be seen whether Russia will comply with the resolution’s demands. Russia has previously ignored international calls for its withdrawal from Ukraine and has continued to support separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.