The UN General Assembly has adopted a nonbinding resolution demanding the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and an immediate halt to the war.

The resolution, approved at UN headquarters in New York, was favored by 140 countries in the 193-member assembly. Four countries - Syria, Belarus, North Korea and Eritrea - joined Russia in voting against, while 38 countries abstained.

The resolution “demands an immediate cessation of the hostilities by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in particular of any attacks against civilians and civilian objects”. It also demands the protection of civilians, medical personnel, aid workers, and journalists.