Countries pay tribute to lives lost in Ukraine invasion on war anniversary

The UN General Assembly in New York has overwhelmingly backed a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly a year ago.

It called for the withdrawal of troops from Ukraine and a halt to fighting.

The motion was backed by 141 nations with 32 abstaining and seven – including Russia – voting against.

In Vienna, a large number of delegates walked out during a Russian address at a parliamentary session of a European security body.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe walkout and the UN vote came a day before the first anniversary of the invasion.

Meanwhile

The US has marked a year since Russia invaded Ukraine by announcing a new range of sanctions against Russia and new military aid for Ukraine.

The latest restrictions target more than 100 entities both within Russia and worldwide, including banks and suppliers of defence equipment.

Specifically, the US said it wants to stop those helping Russia exploit loopholes to get sanctioned materials.

The White House’s fresh round of aid for Ukraine is worth $2bn (£1.7bn).

A further $550m (£459m) will be supplied to both Ukraine and neighbouring Moldova to strengthen their energy infrastructure.

“One year on, the commitment of the United States, together with some 50 countries who have rallied to rush urgently needed assistance to Ukraine, has only strengthened,” the Department of Defense said.

In a press release, the White House said the new measures were designed to disrupt Russian financial institutions, officials and authorities from “illegitimately operating in Ukraine”.

It comes days after US President Joe Biden flew into Kyiv for a surprise visit and held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky.

In its latest round of aid, the US government is providing Ukraine with new drone systems, high-mobility rocket systems, ammunition for artillery systems and communications gear.

Earlier this week the US said China was considering supplying lethal weapons to Russia. They also claimed Chinese firms had already been supplying non-lethal dual-use technology – items which could have both civilian and military uses, such as drones and semi-conductors.

China has strongly denied the allegations.