United Nations: In a high-stakes UN General Assembly showdown marking four years of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India on Tuesday deftly abstained from a Kyiv-backed resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, joining a bloc of 51 nations wary of taking sides in the grip conflict.
The resolution on “Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine” received 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions from the 193-member assembly — a clear indication of a majority of nations’ willingness to end the grinding conflict.
New Delhi’s no-vote underscored its long-standing balancing act — courting Moscow’s energy lifelines while nurturing Western ties. Other abstaining nations included Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The text, introduced by Kyiv, called for a full ceasefire and the return of Ukrainian citizens as steps toward lasting peace.
In a post on X, the Ukrainian President wrote: “I am grateful to each of the 107 countries that stood with Ukraine today in defense of life at the @UN. The General Assembly adopted our resolution in support of a lasting peace, with clear calls for a full ceasefire and the return of our people.”
“These are the right and necessary steps. And we will keep working actively to achieve peace, together with our partners,” the post read.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres posted on X: “24 February marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the @UNCharter & international law. This devastating war is a stain on our collective consciousness & remains a threat to regional & international peace & security. The longer the war continues, the deadlier it becomes. Civilians bear the brunt of this conflict, with 2025 witnessing the largest number of civilians killed in Ukraine.”
He called for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward achieving a just and lasting peace.
“This is simply unacceptable. I reiterate my call for an immediate, full & unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards a just, lasting & comprehensive peace. For peace to be just, it must be in line with international law, respecting Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty & territorial integrity,” the post read.
