A joint statement by Ukraine and the European Union condemning Russia’s actions has received backing from just 36 of the 193 United Nations member states, with the United States notably abstaining.
The statement, presented at UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga, described Russia’s conduct in Ukraine as a “blatant violation of the UN Charter.” It urged the international community to “maximize pressure” on Moscow and to support Ukraine’s “territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”
While the declaration was endorsed by 26 of the 27 EU member states—Hungary being the sole exception—it also received support from Albania, Andorra, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
The move follows a failed attempt in February to pass a UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia, which was drafted by Kiev and its European backers. That resolution faced rejection, and a competing US-backed resolution, which avoided labeling Russia as an aggressor, was ultimately adopted. The US, Russia, and eight other council members voted in favor, while five European nations abstained.
Moscow has consistently criticized Western support for Ukraine, framing the conflict as a proxy war. Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s deputy UN envoy, previously described the February outcome as “a victory for common sense,” accusing Kiev’s supporters of living in a “parallel reality.”
The Kremlin has repeatedly stated that hostilities would end if Ukraine renounced claims to the five regions that have joined Russia through referendums since 2014, reaffirmed its neutral status, and guaranteed the rights of Russian-speaking populations within its territory.
