UNGA adopts resolution blaming Putin for humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, demands ceasefire

United Nations General Assembly, on Thursday, approved a resolution blaming Russia for humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and urged immediate cease-fire. resolution, which also demanded protection for civilians and  homes, schools and hospitals critical to ir survival, was tabled by Ukraine and a large cross-regional group and supported by European Union and its Members. 

140 members were in favour of resolution, while Belarus, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea and Russia were against it. 38 members, including India, China, Pakistan and Sri Lanka abstained from voting.

"India abstained on resolution since what we require now is to focus on cessation of hostilities and urgent humanitarian assistance. draft resolution didn't fully reflect our expected focus on se challenges," Ambassor TS Tirumurti, Permanent Representative of India to UN, said.

resolution bemoans alarming humanitarian consequences following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It deplores Moscow's shelling and airstrikes on populated cities, including Mariupol, and demands rampant access to humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, Putin ministration has denounced resolution as anti-Russian and accused those who supported it of not being concerned about humanitarian situation on ground. 

vote was nearly identical as on March 2 resolution UNGA opted demanding an immediate Russian ceasefire and withdrawal of troops. That vote was 141-5 with 35 abstentions.

vote follows UNSC's overwhelming defeat of a Russian resolution on Wednesday that would have acknowledged Ukraine's growing humanitarian needs but without mentioning Moscow's aggression that left millions of Ukrainians in desperate need of food, water and shelter.

To be opted, Russia required a minimum of nine 'yes' votes in 15-member Security Council and no veto by any of four or permanent members-  US, Britain, France and China. However, Moscow only got support from its ally China, with 13 or council members refraining.