The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution, drafted by the United States, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The resolution adopts a neutral position on the war, aligning with President Donald Trump’s push for a diplomatic resolution.
This move reflects a shift in US policy on Ukraine under Trump, who has adopted a more conciliatory approach towards Russia since returning to office. This is in stark contrast to the policies of former President Joe Biden’s administration, which strongly supported Ukraine throughout the conflict.
Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, acknowledged the “constructive changes” in the US stance, noting that while the resolution wasn’t perfect, it offered a starting point for efforts towards a peaceful resolution.
Throughout the war, the 15-member Security Council had been unable to take significant action due to Russia’s veto power. In contrast, the 193-member General Assembly has consistently supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and called for a just, lasting peace based on the UN Charter.
Earlier, the US failed in an attempt to have the same three-paragraph resolution adopted by the General Assembly.
The resolution expresses sorrow over the loss of life in the “Russia-Ukraine conflict,” reaffirms the UN’s mission of maintaining international peace and security, and urges an end to the conflict and a lasting peace.
In the Security Council, the resolution passed with 10 votes in favor. France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia abstained. Russia supported the resolution after unsuccessfully trying to amend it and vetoed European efforts to include language backing Ukraine.
“This resolution puts us on the path to peace. It’s an important first step,” said Dorothy Shea, the acting US Ambassador to the UN. “Now, we need to use this to build a peaceful future for Ukraine, Russia, and the international community.”
Trump’s diplomatic approach has raised concerns among Ukraine and its European allies, who fear that his focus on Russia might exclude them from future peace talks.
The UK’s UN Ambassador, Barbara Woodward, stressed that any peace agreement must make clear that aggression must have consequences. She argued that there should be no equivalence between Russia and Ukraine in how the Security Council addresses the conflict and that the origins of the war should not be ignored.
French Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere, whose President Emmanuel Macron met with Trump in Washington, affirmed France’s commitment to a comprehensive and lasting peace but rejected any peace deal that would force Ukraine to surrender.
Earlier, the General Assembly adopted two resolutions: one from Ukraine and European nations, and another from the US, which was amended to include language supporting Ukraine. The votes in the Assembly marked a diplomatic victory for Ukraine and its European allies over the US.
Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mariana Betsa, said before the vote, “This war is not just about Ukraine. It is about the fundamental right of every country to exist, to choose its own path, and to live free from aggression.”
The amended US resolution passed in the Assembly with 93 votes in favor, 73 abstentions, and 8 votes
against. The resolution drafted by Ukraine and European nations received 93 votes in favor, 65 abstentions, and 18 votes against.
