Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Representative to the United Nations
New York, New York
March 23, 2022
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Madam President.
The Russian PR asked why we decided to abstain and not veto. To be honest, it was not necessary to veto, and I don’t think the resolution that was put before us was worthy of the U.S. using its precious veto power. Thirteen members of this Council abstained, and that was all that was required to defeat this resolution.
In addition, I want to add that we don’t need this farcical resolution to provide humanitarian assistance. The United States has provided more than $600 million in humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people, and we will continue to provide as much assistance as is required, both to Ukraine and to the neighboring countries who are generously hosting and supporting the Ukrainian people.
Thank you very much.
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