SW News: By a large margin, the United Nations General Assembly has voted to denounce Russia's decision to invade four Ukrainian regions. The general assembly passed the resolution after President Vladimir Putin signed documents approving the annexation of the areas of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson as parts of Russia during a ceremony held in Moscow last week.

On October 12, 143 of the General Assembly's 193 members voted in favor of a resolution that deemed Moscow's action unlawful, whereas 35 countries, including India, and China, abstained from voting. Only Syria, Nicaragua, North Korea, and Belarus voted against the resolution, expressing support for Russia.

The resolution demands that Russia immediately retract its annexation announcement and it also calls on all states, the UN, and international organizations to refuse to recognize any of its annexation claims. The Secretary-General and member states’ ongoing efforts to de-escalate the current situation and seek peace through communication, negotiation, and mediation were welcomed and given "strong support" by the resolution.

The Ukrainian revolution was discussed on Monday, October 10, after Russia fired dozens of missiles at the civilian areas of Ukraine, killing dozens of people and injuring many. Russian attack was against the backdrop of Ukraine bombing Russia's bridge to Crimea on Saturday, October 8.

Russia's use of its veto to block action at the Security Council, the body responsible for upholding international peace and security, prompted the General Assembly vote. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the 143 countries for supporting the resolution.

Earlier this week, during his General Audience, Pope Francis reiterated his calls for peace and to end the 'hurricane of violence in Ukraine. He also assured his prayers for the victims of conflict. Alongside, State Secretary Cardinal Pietro Parolin also called for silencing the weapons.