India and 50 other countries on Tuesday abstained on a UN General Assembly draft resolution calling for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Titled “Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine,” the resolution was adopted by the Assembly’s 193 members on the day marking four years of the conflict. It received 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions. The resolution was introduced by Ukraine along with Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. It reiterated the call for a comprehensive and lasting peace in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. It also urged the full exchange of prisoners of war, the release of all unlawfully detained persons, and the return of internees and civilians forcibly transferred or deported—including children—as a key confidence-building measure. The resolution reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including territorial waters. It expressed deep concern over continued and intensified attacks by Russia on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and critical energy facilities, highlighting the severe deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.(With PTI inputs)
