U.N. General Assembly backs Ukraine’s borders in 107-12-51 vote

The U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution backing Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and expressing deep concern about intensifying Russian strikes on civilians and critical infrastructure, passing the measure 107 in favor, 12 against and 51 abstentions. The vote took place on Feb. 24, 2026, the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and was held during the resumed 11th Emergency Special Session of the Assembly.

The text, identified by Euromaidanpress as “Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine,” affirms commitment to “the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” and, in language cited by Xinhua, calls for “an immediate and unconditional ceasefire” and “comprehensive, just and lasting peace.” The resolution also “expresses deep concern” about what the text describes as intensifying strikes on civilians and critical energy and infrastructure.

Although not legally binding, the resolution carries political weight at a moment when Washington and other capitals say diplomacy must proceed alongside pressure on Moscow. Euromaidanpress reported that the Assembly rejected a U.S. procedural effort to strip the text of territorial integrity and “just peace” language, with 69 countries voting the proposal down and 11 backing it.

Russia, Belarus and Sudan were among the 12 countries voting against the resolution, while China and the United States were recorded among the 51 abstentions. Reuters reported that the U.S. did not appear to have sent a representative to the session in New York. Tammy Bruce, the deputy U.S. representative to the United Nations, explained Washington’s abstention by saying the resolution included language likely to distract from ongoing negotiations, rather than support “discussion of the full range of diplomatic avenues that may pave the way to that durable peace,” a line reported by Reuters. Euromaidanpress published additional remarks from Bruce saying, “We believe we are closer to a deal than at any point since this war began,” and that under President Trump the United States was devoting “energy and effort at the highest levels to bring both Russia and Ukraine closer to a negotiated agreement.”

Reactions at the Assembly and online reflected a mix of relief and unresolved strain. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called the war a “stain on our collective conscience,” The Guardian reported as he addressed delegates during the vote. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, posted on X, “I am grateful to each of the 107 countries that stood with Ukraine today in defense of life at the [UN],” and noted the resolution includes “clear calls for a full ceasefire and the return of our people,” according to Euromaidanpress. Euromaidanpress also quoted an official named Sybiha as calling the adoption “a reaffirmation that Ukraine is not alone — and that the principles of the UN Charter still matter.”

Diplomatic theater underscored the proceedings. Reuters noted European diplomats walking out during the Russian ambassador’s speech, and published images of debris removal at sites hit by missile strikes in the Kyiv region. Observers highlighted a year-over-year rebound in Assembly support after votes fell to 93 a year earlier, signaling renewed international political affirmation of Ukraine’s territorial claims even as debates continue over how best to translate that support into a durable peace.