DISINFO: Russian policy rests on UN Charter, enjoys global support
SUMMARY
Russia’s policy, based on the principles of the UN Charter, is enjoying the wide support of the global majority. Putin has numerous contacts with his foreign counterparts. Attempts to isolate Russia have failed.
RESPONSE
A recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming most developing countries support Russia's policy. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Most countries in the world and most developing countries in particular condemn Moscow’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression and demand that Russian troops leave Ukraine.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on 2 March 2022 demanding that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.” It was adopted with 141 votes in favour of the motion, 5 against and 35 abstentions.
On 12 October 2022, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution condemning Russia’s attempted annexation of Ukraine’s territory. The results were 143 member states in favour, five votes against and 35 abstentions.
On 23 February 2023, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for an immediate end to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. 141 member states were in favour, 7 against and 32 abstained from voting. Judging by these results, it is evident that most countries support Ukraine and condemn Russia’s aggression.
Putin has sharply cut the number of his foreign visits since the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. He cancelled his visit to a Group of 20 summit in Indonesia in November 2022. Putin has become even more restricted in his foreign trips since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for him and Russia's children’s ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova in March 2023. Although Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa which hosted a BRICS summit in July 2023, said any attempt to arrest Putin during his visit would be a declaration of war against Russia, the Russian leader chose not to arrive. Putin’s foreign visits are limited to a small number of countries which he hopes will not extradite him to the Hague.
Read more disinformation cases claiming that Russia did not start the war in Ukraine, is trying to end it and that West did not want peace, it prodded Ukraine into war.