Staff Reporter
RUSSIA has not overthrown Ukraine’s government after seven days of attacks but has faced immense backlash from the West through sanctions and countries pulling investments out of Russia.
In addition, the United Nations General Assembly, after a vote on Wednesday, demanded that Moscow stop fighting and withdraw its military forces.
The resolution, supported by 141 of the assembly’s 193 members, ended a rare emergency session called by the UN Security Council.
Thirty-five members including China abstained and five countries including Russia, Syria and Belarus voted against the resolution.
Ukrainian forces continue the battle in Kherson, facing airstrikes and a bombardment that forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee.
Russia has increased assaults on major Ukrainian cities, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded for more international assistance.
According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, more than 2 000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed so far, while the UN reported 136 civilian deaths, including 13 children, but cautioned the toll is likely “much higher”.
More than 800 000 refugees have fled Ukraine during Russia’s invasion, according to the UN.
Ukraine said more than 5 300 Russian troops have been killed while Moscow, according to news agencies, reported the loss of 498. The numbers have not been verified.
Russia’s Defence Ministry spokesman, Major General Igor Konashenkov, admitted “there are dead and wounded” Russian troops but offered no numbers.
America’s Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday said “everything is on the table” as the US assesses economic sanctions imposed on Russia.
The US will not send troops to fight Russian forces in Ukraine.
China will maintain normal trade relations with Russia despite international sanctions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said during a regular press conference.
“China and Russia will continue to carry out normal trade cooperation following the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.”
According to the spokesman, China’s position was to oppose any “illegally imposed” unilateral sanctions, believing that “sanctions are not an effective solution to solve problems.”
The UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hold public hearings on 7 and 8 March over Ukraine’s allegations of genocide by Russia.
The ICJ is mandated to settle contentious legal disputes submitted by states against other states per international law.
Judgments given in contentious cases between states are binding on the parties.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that if a third World War were to take place, it would involve nuclear weapons and be destructive, Russia’s RIA news agency reported.
Lavrov said Russia would face a “real danger” if Kyiv acquired nuclear weapons.
– Sources: Xinhua/BBC/Al Jazeera/RT/Reuters/CCTV/New York Times/RIA
