On February 24th, 2023, the United Nations approved a condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and also called for Russia to end all hostilities within Ukraine immediately. This decision was made on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine and is meant to serve as a symbol of international unity in ending the conflict.

According to AP News, the declaration was passed with 141 nations in support, 42 nations abstaining from voting, including India and China, and seven nations rejecting it. The seven countries who voted against the motion were: Russia, Belarus, Eritrea, Mali, North Korea, Nicaragua and Syria. However, in spite of this, the 141 nations who voted in accord can be seen as a global sign of international cooperation in the face of dire conflict.

“This vote defies the argument that the global south does not stand on Ukraine’s side. Many countries representing Latin America, Africa, Asia voted in favor,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in an article by AP News.

While the condemnation is not legally binding in any fashion, it does hold political significance. Around three quarters of the world has told Russia to leave Ukraine, and this could be turned into more active measures in the near future. To be specific, the United States has expressed interest in further aiding Ukraine in the conflict.

“[The U.S. Secretary of State will] reaffirm America’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. Today we refuse to give up hope… And tomorrow, we will continue to push for just that durable peace,” Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, following the vote said when talking to the press following the passage of the motion.

The news has spread to Orono High School as well, and many students and staff have opinions on the development.

“I think that it was a very important move by the UN. However, it was very unfortunate that China and India have abstained from the vote because of their prominence on the world stage. Putin is what will make the situation messy because he has tied his future to the result of the war,” OHS World History teacher Ms. Naylor said.

There is also a hope that the situation will improve. Last March, Orono held a supply drive to raise food for those displaced in Ukraine and there is a strong wish for peace among the OHS community.

“I hope that the war can come to a swift conclusion and that there can be reparations for the atrocities in Ukraine,” OHS junior Domenick Cline said.

To summarize, the majority of the world has united to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and this has sparked politicians to work towards bringing peace to Eastern Europe and holding Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable for his actions.

For those who wish to support the relief effort in Ukraine, one can donate to the Red Cross or volunteer at a local Feed My Starving Children, which regularly donates food to Ukraine and other countries in desperate need of aid.