Which countries abstained from voting on the UNSC resolution against Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

The correct answer is India, China, UAE.

Key Points

• On February 25, 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a resolution was put to vote at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that deplored Russia's aggression against Ukraine and demanded the immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine.
• However, due to Russia's veto power as a permanent member of the UNSC, the resolution was ultimately blocked.
• While the resolution did not pass, the voting pattern of the UNSC members on this crucial issue revealed the differing stances of various nations towards the conflict.
• Out of the 15 members of the Security Council, 11 countries voted in favor of the resolution, demonstrating a significant level of international condemnation of Russia's actions.
• These countries that supported the resolution included Albania, Brazil, France, Gabon, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• However, three countries abstained from voting on this resolution. These countries were India, China, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• The abstention of India, China, and the UAE indicated their reluctance to explicitly condemn Russia's invasion at the UNSC, despite the widespread international outcry.
• India, historically maintaining close ties with both Russia and the West, emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. India's statement at the UNSC highlighted its concern over the unfolding situation but did not directly attribute blame to Russia. India stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states while also calling for an immediate cessation of violence.
• China, a permanent member of the UNSC with significant economic and strategic ties to Russia, also abstained from the vote. China's representative emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, but also stressed the need to consider the complex historical context and legitimate security concerns of all parties involved. China called for restraint and diplomatic negotiations to find a political settlement.
• The United Arab Emirates, which held a non-permanent seat on the UNSC at the time, also chose to abstain. The UAE's stance reflected a balancing act in its foreign policy, maintaining relationships with various global powers. The UAE expressed its deep concern over the humanitarian situation and called for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the crisis through diplomatic means.
• The abstention of these three significant nations underscored the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict and the varying perspectives on how to address the situation.
• It is important to note that while this specific UNSC resolution was vetoed by Russia, the issue of Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been brought before the broader United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where resolutions condemning Russia's actions have been adopted with significant majority support.
• However, the voting patterns in the UNSC, particularly the abstentions, provide valuable insight into the nuanced positions of key global players on this critical international matter.
• Therefore, the countries that abstained from voting on the initial UNSC resolution against Russia's invasion of Ukraine were India, China, and the UAE.