The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly voted for a resolution that blames Russia for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, further urging Moscow to stop its war. The vote, 140-5, saw only Belarus Syria, North Korea and Eritrea joining Russia in opposing the measure. There were 38 abstentions, including China.

In a vote conducted on March 2, 141 countries backed a resolution deploring Russia’s invasion.

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While the UN vote does not carry any political repercussions, it a massive diplomatic blow to Russia at a global stage. The resolution deplores Russia’s shelling, airstrikes and “besiegement” of densely populated cities, including the southern city of Mariupol, and demands unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

Earlier this month, the 141 countries had voted to demand an immediate Russian cease-fire and withdrawal of all its forces. It had urged Moscow to protect all civilians and infrastructure indispensable to their survival. Five countries had voted against it with 35 abstentions. 

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When the result of the vote was announced, many diplomats in the General Assembly chamber burst into applause.

On Wednesday, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, in the UN General assembly, had said that by voting in favor of the resolution, countries are “voting for an end to the war.”

Meanwhile, Kyiv on Thursday accused Moscow of orcibly taking thousands of civilians from the shattered port city of Mariupol to Russia. Authorities said that the they will be used as “hostages” to pressure Ukraine to give up.

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A month into the invasion, meanwhile, the two sides traded heavy blows in what has become a devastating war of attrition. Ukraine’s navy said it sank a large landing ship near the port city of Berdyansk that had been used to supply Russian forces with armored vehicles. Russia claimed to have taken the eastern town of Izyum after fierce fighting.