EditUN General Assembly adopts resolution urging peace in Ukraine; Serbia among the abstainers
EU member Hungary also abstained, as did the United States, China, Brazil, India, South Africa, the Central Asia countries and the Gulf monarchies
The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution calling for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace” in Ukraine, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Sponsored by Ukraine and co-backed by over 45 nations, the non-binding measure reaffirms commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, including its territorial waters. It garnered 107 votes in favor, 12 against, and 51 abstentions, with Serbia joining the latter group in a decision that underscores its delicate balancing act between Western aspirations and historical ties to Moscow.
The resolution expresses grave concern over Russia’s ongoing attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and critical energy facilities, which have exacerbated Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis. It demands an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire, the complete exchange of prisoners of war, the release of unlawfully detained individuals, and the repatriation of all civilians, including children – measures framed as essential for building trust and paving the way for sustainable diplomacy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the outcome on social media platform X, expressing gratitude to the 107 supporting nations for “standing with Ukraine in defence of life.” He emphasized the resolution’s role in endorsing a durable peace with explicit calls for a total ceasefire and civilian returns.
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… pic.twitter.com/s5tmD1Bymm
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2026
In contrast, Serbia’s abstention aligns with its longstanding policy of neutrality on the conflict, avoiding outright condemnation of Russia while pursuing EU membership. Notably, all of Serbia’s regional neighbors and EU hopefuls – Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania – voted in favor, highlighting Belgrade’s outlier position in the Balkans.
The vote revealed stark global divisions. Twelve countries opposed the resolution outright: Russia, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Eritrea, Mali, Sudan, Nicaragua, and Niger.
This group largely comprises nations with close ties to Moscow or those facing international isolation, such as authoritarian regimes and states under sanctions. Their opposition reflects a consistent pattern of rejecting UN measures that criticize Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The 51 abstentions included major powers and emerging economies, signaling ambivalence or strategic hedging amid the war’s geopolitical ripple effects. Prominent abstainers were the United States, China, Brazil, India, Hungary, Armenia, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and several Middle Eastern monarchies like Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
South Africa also abstained, advocating for alternative approaches to diplomacy that prioritize common ground over confrontation.
The U.S. abstention marked a notable shift, as Washington had supported similar resolutions in previous years. Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce explained that while the U.S. endorses an immediate ceasefire, certain language in the text could divert attention from ongoing negotiations rather than bolstering diplomatic pathways to peace.
The U.S. had proposed separating specific paragraphs for individual votes – a move opposed by Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister, Mariana Betsa, who deemed it “concerning and unacceptable.”
This resolution comes amid stalled U.S.-mediated talks in Geneva, where President Donald Trump has pushed for a settlement by June 2026, often perceived as favoring Russian terms.
The vote’s outcome – while symbolically supportive of Ukraine- highlights eroding consensus, with fewer “yes” votes compared to earlier resolutions (e.g., 141 in 2022). It underscores the challenges of maintaining international unity as the conflict drags on, with economic strains and shifting alliances influencing state positions.
or Serbia, the abstention avoids alienating Russia – a key gas supplier and veto-wielding ally on Kosovo issues at the UN Security Council – while not fully endorsing Moscow’s aggression. This stance may complicate relations with Brussels, where support for Ukraine is a litmus test for alignment with European values.
Caption: UN General Assembly adopts resolution “Support for lasting peace in Ukraine” [@UN_News_Centre]
Updated: February 25, 2026 - 07:34
