U.N. General Assembly to vote on resolution that blames Russia for humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

The U.N. General Assembly will vote today on a resolution backed by over 90 countries that blames Russia for the escalating humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and demands an immediate halt to hostilities. Russia has denounced the resolution as anti-Russian and accuses its supporters of not really being concerned about the humanitarian situation on the ground, saying they want to politicize aid. The assembly will also consider a South African resolution, which does not mention Russia.

The South African draft calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities as a first step in easing the humanitarian crisis and encourages political dialogue, negotiations, mediation, and other peaceful means aimed at achieving lasting peace. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they do have clout in reflecting international opinion.

According to the U.N., about 10 million Ukrainians, a quarter of its population have fled their homes and are now displaced in the country.