The UN General Assembly has begun debate on a draft resolution to condemn Russia for its unilateral declaration to annex four Ukrainian regions. The draft demands that Moscow immediately reverse the move.

The General Assembly convened an emergency session on Monday.

Ukraine's ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya, urged other envoys to unite in the defense of the UN Charter and the rights of all countries. He said the only thing Russia fears is strong unity among nations. His call for support of the draft resolution earned a round of applause from other participants.

Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said Moscow respects the choice by people in Ukraine's Donbas, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions in favor of a future with Russia.

Russia faced a barrage of criticism from delegations from Western countries and other nations.

They said Russia's unilateral annexation infringes on the sovereignty and territory of Ukraine. They also condemned Russia's massive missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.

The General Assembly is expected to vote on the draft resolution later this week after representatives deliver their speeches.