In a recent development at the United Nations, the United States has been exerting pressure on Ukraine to retract its European-backed resolution demanding the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. Instead, the US is pushing for its own proposal that avoids mentioning Moscow’s invasion, as disclosed by a US official and a European diplomat on Sunday. Despite this pressure, Ukraine has stood firm on its draft resolution, which is set to be voted on by the U.N. General Assembly on Monday, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Two European diplomats revealed that following the vote on Ukraine’s resolution, the General Assembly is expected to consider the US draft resolution. These deliberations are being held in private, with both the diplomats and the US official opting to remain anonymous. The Trump administration is also aiming for a vote on its proposal in the U.N. Security Council, with China, the current president of the Security Council, scheduling a vote on the US resolution for Monday afternoon.
The clash of resolutions underlines the ongoing tensions between the US, Ukraine, and European nations in the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, during which talks with Russia have commenced after years of diplomatic isolation in an effort to end the conflict. European leaders expressed disappointment at being excluded from preliminary discussions between the US and Russia the prior week.
Given Russia’s veto power in the Security Council, the General Assembly has emerged as a pivotal U.N. body regarding matters concerning Ukraine. While its resolutions lack legal binding, the General Assembly’s votes serve as a significant indicator of global sentiment. Since the Russian incursion into Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the assembly has adopted multiple resolutions condemning the war and calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops.
The upcoming votes on the rival resolutions will gauge the extent of global opposition to Russia’s actions and evaluate support for Trump’s endeavors to swiftly resolve the conflict. There have been reports of vigorous lobbying and coercion related to the competing resolutions, with the US striving to persuade Ukraine and European nations to reconsider their stance.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, emphasized the crucial opportunity to work towards lasting peace in the region, asserting that peace remains an attainable goal despite challenges. In contrast, the Ukraine resolution, jointly sponsored by the 27-member European Union, specifically denounces Russia’s invasion and stresses the Assembly’s previous demands for the complete withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukrainian territory.
The draft resolution from the United States highlights the need for de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. In a concise manner, it acknowledges the tragic loss of life in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and calls for a swift end to the hostilities, while urging for a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia. Interestingly, the resolution does not explicitly mention Moscow’s invasion.
Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, expressed approval of the U.S. resolution, referring to it as a “good move.” Additionally, Russia proposed an amendment to the resolution, suggesting the inclusion of the phrase “including by addressing its root causes.” This addition would modify the final line to state, “implores a swift end to the conflict, including by addressing its root causes, and further urges a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.”
This proposed amendment showcases Russia’s interest in addressing the underlying issues contributing to the conflict in Ukraine. The developments surrounding the resolution were reported by Lee from Washington.
