UN overwhelmingly reprimands Russia over invasion of Ukraine

Russia is increasingly isolated on the international stage after the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to demand an immediate end to the invasion of Ukraine.

Just four countries joined Russia in opposing a motion calling for the withdrawal of all occupying forces, as 141 countries backed it during an emergency session in New York on Wednesday.

Belarus, which has been labelled a co-aggressor in the invasion, voted against the reprimand, as did North Korea, Eritrea and Syria, while 35 nations abstained.

Resolutions of the General Assembly are not legally binding but carry political weight by showing the strength of international feeling and the result further diplomatically isolates Russia at the UN.

Boris Johnson said: “Rarely has the contrast between right and wrong been so stark.

“We are united in our abhorrence to the evil actions of Putin’s regime and stand side-by-side on the international stage as we deplore its aggression in the strongest possible terms.

“We are – and will continue to be – unified in our resounding admiration for the courage and bravery of (Ukraine’s) President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people.”

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss declared Russia “isolated” following the vote in the first emergency session of the assembly since 1997, which easily surpassed the two-thirds majority required to be approved.

China and India were among those who abstained, but the reprimand was backed by nations ranging from world powers to tiny island states, showing the wide-reaching outrage at Moscow’s attack.

Britain had been lobbying behind the scenes for nations to back the motion, which deplored Russian “aggression” in the “strongest terms” and demanded the total withdrawal of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces.

Earlier in the day, Downing Street called for a “clear message” to be sent from the UN that the “world abhors” the “unprovoked attack on a democratic country”.

Mr Johnson’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister is speaking to, and has been speaking with, a number of leaders to make sure we speak whenever possible with a unified voice on this and send a direct message to Vladimir Putin.”