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On 23 February, the United Nations General Assembly adjourned its Eleventh Emergency Special Session on Ukraine, adopting a resolution, underscoring the need to urgently reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The resolution introduced by Ukraine and a group of countries (including Lithuania) received strong support from member states. It was adopted by a vote of 141 in favour to 7 against, with 32 abstentions.

Lithuania, together with the European Union and its interregional partners, has actively contributed to drafting the resolution and mobilising support for it. The resolution calls on the Russian Federation to immediately, fully and unconditionally withdraw military forces from the territory of Ukraine recognised by international law and to cease hostilities, including any attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure. It also demands ensured accountability for serious crimes committed on Ukrainian territory and to prevent new crimes.

The resolution also calls on member states to respond in solidarity to the global consequences of war for global food security, energy, the financial sector, the environment and nuclear safety and security. It also welcomes the efforts of the international community and the UN Secretary-General to achieve peace in Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter, including those of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of states.

“Russia has suffered another defeat — only at the United Nations Headquarters. Russia will also lose on the war field. We need to concentrate our efforts to make this happen as soon as possible,” Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said.

In the context of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, this is the fifth resolution adopted by an Emergency Special Session.