By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS – Russia seeks to undermine Western-led UN efforts to isolate Moscow in order to invade Ukraine. The Security Council and General Assembly are preparing to vote on this week’s competing measures to address Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis.

The diplomatic feud has been growing at the body ever since Russia began a “special-military operation” in February to dismantle Ukraine’s military structures.

On Tuesday, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres blasted Russia for its “absurd warfare,” warning that continuing the war in Ukraine was morally inacceptable, politically unfensible, and militarily absurd.

There are two competing resolutions before the 193 members of U.N. General Assembly. They both demand aid access as well as protection for civilians and medical staff in Ukraine. One text that was written by Ukraine, its allies, is to be voted this week and criticizes Russia for creating the crisis.

South Africa has not made mention of Russia in the second draft. It was also unclear when it might be put to a vote. South Africa stated in comments accompanying the proposal that it was not mentioning Russia and did not say when they would vote. If we shift our attention to other issues, it will cause divisions and make it difficult to agree on the outcomes.

Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African president, said that he will not condemn Russia and blame NATO for provoking conflict.

Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward (NASDAQ:) said Tuesday to reporters that talks were ongoing with South Africa about how to reach a text that will be supported by the entire General Assembly, without needing to get two votes.

Ukraine and its allies seek to build on the 141 “yes” votes that were cast for a General Assembly resolution passed March 2, which condemned Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine, and demanded its withdrawal. Russia, Eritrea (North Korea), Syria, Russia and Belarus voted no. 35 other states, including China, abstained.

U.S. Linda Thomas-Greenfield was the Ambassador to United Nations.

‘UNCONSCIONABLE’

Stephane Dujarric, U.N. spokesperson, stressed Tuesday amid the conflicting resolutions that unity would prove to be more beneficial: “This organisation is strongest when it speaks one voice.”

Although General Assembly resolutions do not have binding force, they are political in nature. Russia’s isolation from the international community over its invasion in Ukraine was evident by the March 2 vote. Russia can veto the Security Council’s 15 member countries, but not any other country.

South Africa’s action at the General Assembly is very similar to the text Russia proposed last week in the Security Council. The South African deputy U.N. Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo stated that the General Assembly resolution draft was a “purely South African initiative.” It was not inspired by Russia.

Russia asked for the Security Council’s approval of its draft proposal Wednesday. However, diplomats warn that it could fail. Most members are expected to abstain as the document does not refer to Russia’s position.

Russia’s Deputy U.N. Dmitry Polyanskiy, Ambassador to Russia, said Tuesday that Moscow’s draft aimed at aiding humanitarian aid groups without any politicization.

Thomas-Greenfield said that Russia’s belief that it could propose a humanitarian solution is unconstitutional. He described the situation as similar to an arsonist asking for help from his neighbors in putting out the flames he set.

Moscow cancelled a Security Council vote planned for last Friday. It had accused Western countries of an “unprecedented campaign of pressure” against the measure. Russia denied this allegation by the United States.