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China has abstained from voting on a UN Safety Council draft decision telling Moscow to cease attacking Ukraine and withdraw all troops instantly.
Russia vetoed the draft decision whereas India and the United Arab Emirates additionally abstained from the vote on the US-drafted textual content.
The remaining 11 council members voted in favour.
China’s transfer is seen as a win for western nations who need to present Russia as being remoted internationally.
The 11 to 1 vote confirmed vital however not complete opposition to Russia’s invasion of its smaller, militarily weaker neighbour.
The decision’s failure paves the best way for backers to name for a swift vote on an identical measure within the 193-member UN Basic Meeting, the place there aren’t any vetoes.
There was no instant timetable for a possible meeting vote.
Extra explosions heard in Kyiv as troops enter capital – reside updates
Spearheaded by the US and Albania, the safety council decision would have deplored Russia’s “aggression” towards Ukraine.
It referred to as for Moscow instantly to drag out its army and cease utilizing drive towards Ukraine, and to reverse a choice to recognise two separatist areas in japanese Ukraine as impartial.
Not like safety council resolutions, common meeting resolutions should not legally binding, however they will perform as statements of world opinion.
Key developments:
• In keeping with the UK’s Ministry of Defence, Russian forces have made advances all through the day – “however proceed to face robust resistance from the Ukrainian Armed Forces”
• Ukraine additionally “retains management of key cities”
• China has abstained from voting on a draft UN Safety Council decision that will have deplored Moscow, in what can be seen as a diplomatic win for the West
• The UK goes to impose direct sanctions on Vladimir Putin and Russian International Minister Sergei Lavrov imminently. The EU additionally plans to freeze their property, and the US intends to do the identical
• NATO says it is going to deploy extra troops to japanese Europe
In an meeting assembly on Wednesday as Moscow’s invasion loomed, dozens of nations condemned Russia or expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
Russia and ally Syria defended Moscow’s strikes.
The UN Safety Council draft decision vote on Friday got here after China’s overseas minister Wang Yi mentioned actions taken by the council ought to “ease tensions, not gas them”.
British International Secretary Liz Truss had earlier advised her Chinese language counterpart she anticipated Beijing to face up for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Ms Truss mentioned in an announcement on Friday: “I spoke to (Chinese language) FM (International Minister) Wang Yi about Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and made clear that Russia’s actions are a flagrant breach of the UN Constitution.
“As a everlasting member of the UN Safety Council we anticipate China to face up for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Learn extra: The place is underneath assault?
The vote got here as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned his nation’s residents that Russian troops are making ready to storm Kyiv, urging them “to cease the enemy wherever you possibly can”.
After unleashing airstrikes, Russian tanks rolled into Kyiv on Friday, and troops had been descending on the capital from two fronts.
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In a message posted on social media, Mr Zelenskyy mentioned: “This evening the enemy will use all its forces to interrupt our resistance – vile, merciless and inhuman.
“Tonight they may storm.
“Now we have to persevere tonight. The destiny of Ukraine is being determined proper now.
Learn extra: Who’s Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
“Each civilian must be as cautious as doable, please assist one another, particularly the aged, those that are at present in nice problem. In case of any hazard, go to the shelter.
“Anybody who has already joined the defence of the nation or may also help the defence – cease the enemy wherever you possibly can.”
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