Nigeria Joins 106 Nations in UN Vote Supporting Ukraine

Nigeria on Tuesday aligned with 106 other member states of the United Nations General Assembly in backing a resolution expressing support for Ukraine, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022.

The resolution, adopted during an emergency special session of the General Assembly, was titled “Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine.” It was approved with 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions, including that of the United States.

The measure calls for a comprehensive, just, and enduring peace in Ukraine. It also demands an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners of war, and the return of civilians forcibly displaced, including children.

In the resolution, the Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

Addressing the session, President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock said Russia’s full-scale invasion had shattered Europe’s long-standing peace and stability.

“War must never become the new normal,” she said, reflecting on how the invasion transformed the security landscape of the continent four years ago.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also lamented the anniversary, describing the war as a violation of the UN Charter and international law. He warned that the conflict remains a serious threat to regional and global peace and security.

According to Guterres, the war has grown increasingly deadly, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the violence. He described the rising civilian casualties as unacceptable and reiterated his call for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward a just and lasting peace.

He urged the international community to deploy all available diplomatic tools to bring the war to an end as it enters its fifth year.

At a Security Council debate, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mariana Betsa, described Russia’s invasion as a direct assault on the rules-based international order. She cited attacks on civilians, nuclear safety risks, and the deportation of children as potential war crimes.

Betsa called for an immediate ceasefire, stronger sanctions, enhanced air defence support, and binding security guarantees. She rejected any territorial concessions, insisting that Ukraine’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable.

In response, Russia’s representative criticised the meeting, claiming it did not contribute to international peace and security. He accused European countries of escalating the conflict while disregarding negotiation efforts.

The Russian delegate also referenced the 2014 political change in Ukraine, alleging it resulted in extremist governance, and argued that any resolution must address what Moscow describes as the “root causes” of the conflict, including recognition of what it termed “new territorial realities.”