//US Urges UN to Reject European-Backed Ukraine Resolution Ahead of Key Vote//
The United States is pressing the United Nations General Assembly to back its resolution on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while urging member states to reject any amendments or rival proposals—particularly one backed by Ukraine and European allies.
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Ukrainian service personnel use searchlights as they search for drones in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 23, 2025.
A Diplomatic Showdown....................................................................
In a diplomatic note reviewed by Reuters, the U.S. characterized its draft resolution as a "forward-looking" initiative focused on ending the war. The note emphasized that the resolution was designed to "build real momentum towards international peace and security, the maintenance of which is the principal purpose of the United Nations."
The U.S. has called on member states to "vote no on any other resolution or amendments presented" during Monday’s General Assembly meeting.
This move sets the stage for a diplomatic clash between the U.S. and its European allies, who have spent weeks negotiating a separate resolution. The European-backed resolution mirrors past UN statements, reaffirming Ukraine’s sovereignty and calling for Russia’s immediate withdrawal from Ukrainian territory.
Competing Drafts and Their Implications.......................................
Since the war’s onset in 2022, the UN General Assembly has repeatedly passed resolutions supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity. However, the U.S. resolution makes no direct reference to Ukraine’s sovereignty. Instead, it mourns the loss of life in the "Russia-Ukraine conflict" and urges a "swift end to the conflict and a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia."
The European-backed resolution, in contrast, explicitly describes the war as "the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation." It reiterates Ukraine’s sovereignty and calls for peace efforts aligned with the UN Charter, emphasizing sovereign equality and territorial integrity.
Tracers are seen in the night sky as Ukrainian servicemen fire at the drone during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 21, 2025.
Security Council Vote on the Horizon.............................................
Later on Monday, the U.S. draft will also be put to a vote in the UN Security Council. The 15-member council requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, or France for a resolution to pass.
Diplomats say the Security Council vote will serve as a barometer of international support for the U.S. stance. Given Russia's veto power, it is unlikely that any resolution critical of Moscow will be adopted. However, the General Assembly, where no country holds veto power, offers a different battlefield for influence.
The Trump Factor.............................................................................
The U.S. push at the UN comes amid efforts by President Donald Trump to broker an end to the war. Trump’s approach has sparked tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and raised concerns among European allies that they might be sidelined in any peace talks.
Notably, U.S. and Russian officials held talks last Tuesday, a meeting that has fueled speculation about potential backchannel negotiations.
Proposed Amendments and Russian Strategy................................
Several proposed amendments to the U.S. draft could shift the resolution’s tone significantly.
- Russia’s Proposal: Russia has suggested adding language about addressing the "root causes" of the war. Moscow has long justified its invasion as a "special military operation" to "denazify" Ukraine and counter NATO’s expansion.
- European Amendments: Britain and 24 European Union states have proposed alterations to the U.S. text to strengthen its condemnation of Russia. Their amendments aim to:
- Explicitly describe the war as "the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation."
- Reinforce support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Call for a "just, lasting, and comprehensive peace" in accordance with UN principles.
The Broader Impact.........................................................................
While General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, they carry significant political weight. A strong majority vote for the European-backed resolution would send a clear message of continued global support for Ukraine. Conversely, a shift toward the U.S. resolution—one that avoids direct condemnation of Russia—could indicate growing pressure for a diplomatic settlement.
With competing visions for peace and growing rifts among allies, Monday’s votes at both the General Assembly and Security Council could mark a turning point in the international approach to the Ukraine war. The world will be watching closely to see which vision prevails.