UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States has introduced a draft U.N. resolution regarding the conflict in Ukraine that contrasts with a competing resolution backed by Europe, which calls for the immediate withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukraine. Both resolutions are being presented in commemoration of the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which falls on Monday. The U.N. General Assembly is expected to vote on these nonbinding resolutions at that time.
This situation has created a division between the United States and Europe, raising questions about the strength of the transatlantic alliance in light of the Trump administration's recent shift in stance towards Russia. Following years of isolating Moscow, the U.S. is now looking to broker a rapid end to the war, a move that has alarmed European leaders. They expressed their dissatisfaction that neither their officials nor those from Ukraine were invited to preliminary talks between the U.S. and Russia that took place this week in Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. draft resolution is notably brief. It expresses sorrow over "the tragic loss of life throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict" and calls for "a swift end to the conflict" while further urging a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia. Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia voiced support for this resolution, stating, "It's a good move." Additionally, Russia has proposed an amendment to the U.S. resolution, suggesting the inclusion of the phrase "including by addressing its root causes," which would alter the resolution's wording to emphasize a more comprehensive approach to conflict resolution.
Conversely, the European Union and Ukraine's draft resolution is much more direct, explicitly condemning "the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation." It emphasizes the necessity of implementing all previous U.N. General Assembly resolutions that respond to Russian aggression against Ukraine. Most importantly, it reiterates the assembly's demand for Russia to "immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders" and to stop all hostilities without delay.
As it stands, the U.N. General Assembly has become the primary U.N. body addressing the Ukraine conflict due to the paralysis of the Security Council, which is typically responsible for maintaining international peace and security. The Security Council is currently unable to act due to Russia's veto power. While resolutions passed in the General Assembly are non-binding, they serve as an important reflection of global opinion and can influence international relations moving forward.
The contrasting draft resolutions emerge against the backdrop of contentious comments from former President Donald Trump, who has inaccurately blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the commencement of the conflict. Trump has even labeled Zelenskyy "a dictator," urging him to negotiate an end to hostilities quickly or risk losing his nation. Zelenskyy has countered these assertions, asserting that Trump is caught in a "disinformation space" propagated by Russia.
