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States condemn Russian violations at UN meeting on Ukraine
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 24, 2026
Tags:currencies
Quick Summary
At a UN gathering in Geneva marking four years since Russia's invasion, mostly Western states condemned Moscow and backed Ukraine. Diplomats walked out during Russia's address as sanctions debates and ceasefire calls continued.
Western nations denounce Russia's violations at UN session on Ukraine
By Emma Farge
Western States Condemn Russia
UN Response to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
GENEVA, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Dozens of mostly Western states rallied behind Ukraine and condemned Russian aggression on Tuesday in a U.N. meeting in Geneva on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion.
Zelenskiy Urges Continued Support
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged allies from Kyiv to maintain their support as divisions among European partners over a fresh package of sanctions against Moscow overshadowed commemorations of the start of the conflict.
Norway’s Foreign Minister’s Remarks
"What Russia has done and is doing in Ukraine right now is violating every principle in the book," Espen Barth Eide, Norway's foreign minister, told a meeting on the sidelines of the Human Rights Council attended by dozens of countries including France, Britain, Canada, Japan and Peru. The U.S. did not appear to have sent a representative.
"Everything the U.N. stands for is being violated," he added, ending his speech with "Glory to Ukraine!".
Russia’s Stated Justifications
Russia has given various reasons for sending troops into its neighbour, including needing to "demilitarise" Ukraine and respond to the U.S.-led NATO alliance's eastward expansion in the years since the Soviet Union collapsed. Kyiv and its Western allies deny posing a threat to Russia, which they accuse of staging a land-grab.
Diplomatic Walkout in Geneva
Earlier, a group of mostly European diplomats walked out of a meeting of the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva during a speech by Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov. They gathered outside, holding the Ukrainian flag and wearing sashes in the national colours.
Planned UN General Assembly Motion
The president of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, Annalena Baerbock, said that a motion was planned there expressing concern about Russia's invasion and calling for an unconditional ceasefire and a lasting peace.
(Reporting by Emma Farge and Cecile Mantovani; editing by Friederike Heine and Kevin Liffey)
Key Takeaways
- •Mostly Western states condemned Russia at a UN gathering in Geneva on the invasion's fourth anniversary.
- •President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged allies to sustain support for Ukraine.
- •European diplomats staged a walkout during Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov's address at disarmament talks.
- •Divisions persisted among European partners over a new sanctions package against Moscow.
- •A motion was planned at the UN General Assembly calling for an unconditional ceasefire and lasting peace.
Frequently Asked Questions about States condemn Russian violations at UN meeting on Ukraine
1What is the main topic?
A UN gathering in Geneva where mostly Western states condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine on the invasion's fourth anniversary and voiced support for Kyiv.
2Why does this matter for markets?
Escalating sanctions discussions and geopolitical tensions can impact energy and commodity prices, currencies sensitive to risk sentiment, and broader European market stability.
3What actions did diplomats take at the meeting?
A group of mostly European diplomats walked out during a speech by Russia's ambassador at the Conference on Disarmament, signaling protest against Moscow's stance.
4What happens next?
A motion was planned for the UN General Assembly urging an unconditional ceasefire and lasting peace, while allies weigh further sanctions on Russia.
