PHNOM PENH: "All member states must respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of other member states." This is Cambodia’s stated position after joining the majority of UN member states to vote in favor of the resolution demanding Russia stop its aggressions towards Ukraine at the emergency special session of the UN General Assembly.

On the night of Tuesday, 2 March 2022, Cambodia joined 140 other countries in voting in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution demanding that Russia "immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders."

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 3 March, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that during the session, Cambodia expressed concern over the escalating situation and the worsening humanitarian conditions caused by the ongoing military hostilities in Ukraine.

Cambodia believes in dialogue and diplomacy to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control, and wishes to seek a peaceful solution in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter. Cambodia states that its position is that "all Member States must respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of other Member States."

The vote on the resolution closed the rare special emergency session of the General Assembly, which began on Monday, as nations took the stage to declare their position on the crisis.

"I join Member States in expressing concern about ‘reports of attacks on civilian facilities such as residences, schools and hospitals, and of civilian casualties, including women, older persons, persons with disabilities, and children," said UN General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters after the General Assembly session concluded that the United Nations has the obligation to stand by the voted resolution and lead by its call.

He said, "The message of the General Assembly is strong and clear: End hostilities in Ukraine now. Silence the guns now. Open the door to dialogue and diplomacy now.”

On Thursday, 24 February, Russia launched a major offensive against Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin justified this action by saying there was an urgent need for Russia to launch a military operation to demilitarize Ukraine in order to protect the Donbas Republic and to ensure that Russia will not be under NATO threat from Ukrainian territory.

The US-led West has responded to the offensive by imposing new sanctions on Russia and are also preparing weapons in support of Ukrainian forces.