Rare applause from UN Security Council after observing moment of silence for Ukrainian victims
Moment comes after Ukrainian ambassador to the UN asks for ‘a moment of complete silence to pray, or to mediate if you do not believe in God’
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
The United Nations Security Council chamber erupted in spontaneous applause on Friday night after the Ukrainian ambassador called for a moment of silence to honour the victims of the Russian invasion.
The moment came after Russia had vetoed a Security Council resolution to condemn the invasion of Ukraine.
Follow live updates of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
The Ukrainian ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya, said at the meeting: “I will ask all of you to dedicate a moment of complete silence to pray, or to mediate if you do not believe in God, for peace.
Impressive scene tonight as UN Security Council breaks out in rare applause after observing moment of silence for those killed in Ukraine…
— Alex Raufoglu (@ralakbar) February 26, 2022
💙💛#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/iI9ZffGwNs
“To pray for souls of those who has been already killed, for souls of those who may be killed.”
He added: “And I invite the Russian ambassador to pray for salvation.”
After Mr Kyslytsya spoke, the Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia cut in to say the council should also honour those who died in the Donbas region, where Russia launched its military operation on Thursday.
After the moment’s silence, council members began clapping.
The United Arab Emirates and India abstained from the vote on the US-drafted text. The other 11 council members voted in favour.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield reinforced America’s support for Ukraine after Russia cast its veto vote.
“We are united behind Ukraine and its people, despite a reckless, irresponsible permanent member of the Security Council abusing its power to attack its neighbour and subvert the UN and our international system.”
The draft resolution is now expected to be taken up by the 193-member UN General Assembly.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments