New York: The United States has put forward a draft United Nations resolution to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, setting the stage for a diplomatic standoff with Kyiv and its European allies, who have been pushing for their own text to be adopted by the General Assembly.
The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker an end to the war, which has caused friction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and raised concerns among European leaders that Kyiv and Europe could be sidelined in any peace negotiations.
The U.S. proposal, a brief three-paragraph draft seen by Reuters, expresses sorrow over the loss of life in the “Russia-Ukraine conflict” and underscores the UN’s primary mission of maintaining international peace and security through the peaceful resolution of disputes. It also calls for a swift end to the conflict and urges a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia. However, it remains unclear when Washington intends to bring the resolution to a vote.
Meanwhile, the 193-member General Assembly is scheduled to vote on Monday on a separate resolution drafted by Ukraine and the European Union. This text advocates for de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities, and a peaceful resolution in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
Ukraine and the EU have spent the past month negotiating with UN member states to rally support for their resolution. Although General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, they hold significant political weight by signaling the international community’s stance on the war. Unlike the UN Security Council, where veto power can block actions, the General Assembly operates on a majority vote.
The Ukrainian and EU resolution, also seen by Reuters, reaffirms “the urgent need to end the war this year” and urges intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and secure a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Also Read | Once a Village, Now Rubble: Pisky’s Former Residents Seek Answers
Notably, the language in the latest draft is more measured compared to past resolutions. Instead of explicitly condemning Russia, it refers to the war as “the aggression.” This marks a shift from a February 2022 resolution, which passed with 141 votes and strongly denounced “the aggression by the Russian Federation.”
Despite the softer tone, the Ukrainian and EU-backed text maintains the call for implementing previous UN resolutions demanding that Russia withdraw its forces from Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory and cease hostilities.
During the first year of the war, the General Assembly passed six resolutions condemning Moscow and urging a complete troop withdrawal. One of the most widely supported resolutions, adopted in October 2022, condemned Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four Ukrainian regions, securing 143 votes in favor.
