UAE stresses need for ceasefire

The United Arab Emirates stressed the need for agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine, saying during a meeting of the General Assembly on Monday that it deplored the ongoing violence, without mentioning Russia.

"The continuation of the fighting will lead to further losses among innocent people and in addition to worsening the humanitarian situation," a member of the UAE's mission to the UN said.

The UAE added that "civilians who are seeking refuge must be able to do so freely and without being subjected to racial discrimination".

However, Abu Dhabi made no mention of Russia or its invasion of Ukraine.

And diplomats told AFP that Russia's vote on Monday in favour of imposing an arms embargo on Yemen's Houthi rebels suggested a deal was cut between Moscow and Abu Dhabi for the latter to abstain in upcoming UN votes on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.