The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a Western-backed resolution declaring Crimea’s breakaway referendum illegitimate and refusing to recognise Russia’s annexation of the peninsula.
The non-binding resolution passed with a comfortable majority in the 193-member body, with 100 votes in favour and 11 votes against. At least 20 countries abstained.
“I am convinced that a strong vote today will help to deter further aggressive moves,” acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsya told the assembly.
“It sends an essential message that the international community will not allow what has happened in Crimea to set a precedent to further challenges to our rules,” he added.
