UNITED NATIONS — The United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Barbara Woodward, condemned Russia’s use of the veto, stating it disregarded the General Assembly’s decisive stance on Ukraine.
Speaking at a UN General Assembly meeting, Woodward said Russia’s veto on proposed amendments to a Security Council resolution undermined the sovereignty of Ukraine and flouted the will of the global community.
“The UK, along with other Security Council members, proposed amendments to align the resolution with the General Assembly’s position, reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter,” Woodward said. “But Russia exercised its veto, defying the voice of the Assembly and rejecting the call for peace.”
Woodward emphasized that peace in Ukraine is attainable, asserting, “If Putin wanted peace, he could have it tomorrow. All Russia need do is cease its aggression and withdraw its forces from all of Ukraine.”
The remarks come as Russia continues its military campaign against Ukraine, including recent drone attacks on civilian buildings in Kharkiv. Woodward stressed that Russia’s actions contradicted any claims of peace intentions.
