UN General Assembly ambassadors vote during a session on February 24 at UN headquarters in New York. (Photo: AFP)

The General Assembly backed a resolution drafted by Ukraine, the UK, and the European Union condemning Russia on the third anniversary of its “special military operation”. The resolution, titled “Promoting a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”, calls for a de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities, and a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday that Moscow is open to negotiations on ending the conflict but will only halt fighting when a peace settlement suits the Russian Federation. The realities on the ground must be considered, Lavrov said. During a visit to Ankara, he told Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan that efforts to bring Ukraine into NATO contributed to the conflict.

The UN Security Council on Monday passed a resolution proposed by the United States calling for a swift end to the conflict in Ukraine and urging a lasting peace.

Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers adopted a 16th package of sanctions against Russia. The sanctions include a ban on primary aluminum imports, submarine, chemicals, and gaming consoles, which are often used to control drones on the battlefield.

Ukraine will receive a new tranche of 3.7 billion USD from the European Union in March, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday.