Indonesia Abstains on Ukraine Resolution at UN General Assembly; Russia Responds Positively
Jakarta – Indonesia chose to abstain in the voting on the Ukraine resolution at the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The government has reaffirmed that this position is consistent with Indonesia’s foreign policy, which emphasises inclusive dialogue and constructive negotiation.
A spokesperson from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela, stated that Indonesia has consistently promoted an inclusive discussion process for the resolution from the outset. According to him, inclusivity is an important principle in reforming global governance, including at the United Nations.
“Indonesia is positioned to ensure inclusive dialogue in the resolution discussion process,” he said at a press conference in Central Jakarta on Friday, 27 February 2026.
He added that approximately 50 countries also chose to abstain, thereby reflecting a shared message about the need for open negotiations involving all parties.
Another Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang, noted that developing and emerging countries such as India, Pakistan, South Africa, China, and Saudi Arabia adopted similar positions.
“Their concerns are the same, namely the need to prioritise inclusive dialogue and diplomatic efforts to achieve peace,” Yvonne said.
She assessed that the resolution adoption process did not demonstrate inclusivity and constructive negotiation because there was no room for negotiation on the proposed concept, prompting Indonesia to adopt an abstention position.
From the Russian side, Russian Federation Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s stance. During a press conference at his residence in South Jakarta on Thursday, 26 February 2026, Tolchenov stated that the abstention decision reflected Indonesia’s balanced policy regarding the Ukraine crisis.
“We greatly appreciate Indonesia’s decision to abstain,” he said. He personally acknowledged preferring Indonesia to reject the resolution, but understood that abstention demonstrated an understanding of the conflict’s roots.
Tolchenov also assessed that similar resolutions adopted by the UNGA annually were not supported by the majority of member states. “Some reject it, some abstain, and some do not attend. In fact, the majority do not support it,” he said.
He accused European countries of continuing to escalate the conflict by promoting weapons aid and new sanctions packages against Russia, including efforts to include one of Indonesia’s ports in the sanctions package, which he claimed was being blocked by Hungary.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire as the Ukraine war entered its fourth year. The resolution, proposed by Ukraine and supported by 46 countries, was passed with 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions. Russia voted against, whilst the United States abstained.