Updated UN resolution says Russia wages ‘war of aggression’

The United Nations (UN) has for the first time called Russia’s actions in Ukraine a “war of aggression” in an updated Dec. 17 resolution that the international body of 193 member states adopted during a General Assembly in New York. 

“The adoption of this document demonstrates that the international community firmly condemns the crimes committed by Russian occupiers. Every act of violence and human rights violation will be appropriately assessed and punished,” Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry (MFA) stated..

The resolution addresses the human rights situation in Ukrainian territories temporarily that Russia occupies, ensuring enhanced monitoring by the UN and the international community of the crimes and violations committed by Russian authorities against local residents.

“The General Assembly has once again reaffirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and rejected any changes to the status of Ukrainian territories,” the MFA added.

The UN General Assembly has called on Russia to immediately halt its aggression against Ukraine and withdraw all its armed forces from Ukraine based on it internationally recognized borders.

A significant change in the updated resolution is the inclusion of provisions condemning the torture and other forms of ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war, particularly sexual violence, according to the MFA.

The principal UN body also urged Russia to grant access to international humanitarian missions to places where prisoners of war are held, ensure the provision of adequate medical care, and facilitate an all-for-all exchange of prisoners.

“The resolution also focuses on protecting and returning deported children: the UN General Assembly calls on Russia to stop deporting Ukrainian children and provide comprehensive information to the relevant UN agencies and international organizations, including a list of all deported Ukrainian children,” the Ministry stated.

The General Assembly passed the resolution following a vote with 81 in favor, 14 against, and 80 abstentions.