The United Nations rejects the "illegal" annexation of the Russian territory of Donetsk, Lugansk, Jershon and Zaporiyia

The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday condemned the recent "illegal" annexation of four regions of eastern Ukraine after a series of popular consultations were held that have not been recognized by the vast majority of the international community.

By 143 votes in favor and five against, the United Nations plenary has rejected the annexation of Donetsk, Lugansk, Jerson and Zaporiyia to Russian territory, as proclaimed by President Vladimir Putin in late September.

Only five countries -- North Korea, Syria, Nicaragua, Belarus and Russia -- have voted against the UN resolution entitled "Territorial Integrity of Ukraine: Upholding the Principles of the UN Charter."

Another 35 countries have abstained, including India, China, Cuba, Pakistan and several African nations, who have been criticized since the start of the war for showing lukewarm condemnation of Russian aggression.

The resolution has been sponsored by up to 70 countries, in addition to Ukraine itself, all member states of the European Union, Australia, Georgia, South Korea, Moldova, Montenegro, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, Burma, several Latin American nations and others from the Pacific. .

The result of this vote is the most unanimous support of the United Nations for Ukraine since the Russian invasion began on February 24. This is the fourth resolution to be presented to the General Assembly since then, all of them favorable to kyiv.

However, they are not binding, unlike those presented to the United Nations Security Council which are, but have been hampered from taking action due to Russia's right to veto.

This resolution now approved in the Assembly asks all States, the UN itself and international organizations not to recognize any of Russia's annexation claims, a country that is required to immediately revoke this declaration.