By Michelle Nichols
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United States is pushing for the United Nations General Assembly to support its resolution commemorating the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Monday. The U.S. is advising against any amendments and is encouraging a negative vote on a competing text put forth by Ukraine and its European allies.
In a diplomatic message circulated on Sunday and examined by Reuters, the United States characterizes its concise resolution as “a forward-looking proposal centered on a single concept: bringing an end to the conflict.” The note emphasizes that through this resolution, Member States can generate genuine momentum toward international peace and security, the primary objective of the United Nations. Countries are urged to “reject any alternative resolutions or amendments that may be introduced” during Monday’s session.
The U.S.-sponsored draft resolution, introduced on Friday, sets the United States in opposition to Ukraine and the European Union, who have been in discussions with U.N. member states for the past month on their own resolution regarding the conflict in Ukraine. This resolution reiterates the U.N.’s call for Russia to withdraw its troops and cease hostilities.
The 193-member U.N. General Assembly has consistently supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its established borders since the commencement of the conflict. Notably, the U.S. draft does not address this aspect.
The U.S. text expresses sorrow over the loss of life during the “Russia-Ukraine conflict”, underscores the U.N.’s core mission of upholding international peace and security, and advocating for the peaceful resolution of disputes. It appeals for a prompt cessation of the conflict and further encourages the establishment of a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
Diplomats have indicated that the 15-member Security Council will also vote on the same U.S. text later on Monday. A resolution from the council requires a minimum of nine favorable votes and no vetoes from the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, or France for adoption.
The U.S.’s call for action at the U.N. follows President Donald Trump’s initiative to mediate an end to the conflict, leading to tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. This move has raised concerns among European allies that they may be excluded from peace negotiations. U.S. and Russian officials met on Tuesday.
During the General Assembly session, there will be a vote on various proposed amendments to the U.S. draft resolution.
Russia has suggested amending the U.S. draft to include addressing the “root causes” of the conflict. Russia has labeled its 2022 intervention as a “special military operation” intended to “denazify” Ukraine and prevent NATO expansion.
Britain and 24 European Union member states have also put forward amendments to the U.S. draft in the General Assembly. Their proposed changes aim to characterize the conflict as “the full-scale
