US and Ukraine Introduce Competing UN Resolutions to Commemorate Invasion’s Third Anniversary
The United States has introduced an alternative resolution at the United Nations, calling for a “swift end” to the conflict in Ukraine, after declining to support a proposal drafted by Ukraine and endorsed by European nations.
The language in the US resolution does not mention Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the issue of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, but it expresses sorrow over the loss of life during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, urges a “swift end to the conflict,” and seeks “a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.”
In contrast, the text prepared by Ukraine emphasizes calls for Russia to withdraw from Ukrainian lands and to establish a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”
Both resolutions are anticipated to be voted on in the UN General Assembly today.
“It is remarkably rare for any major power to change sides in a conflict like this,” commented Anjali Dayal, a professor at Fordham University in New York.
“And it is unprecedented for the US to create a draft resolution that is welcomed by Russia while alienating the US’s traditional allies,” she added.
European diplomats, who have been rallying support for the Ukraine-drafted resolution over the previous months, appeared taken aback by the US’s decision to present its own text on Friday evening.
“It is difficult not to conclude that the US’s last-minute strategy is aimed at maximizing embarrassment for the Europeans,” remarked Richard Gowan, UN Director at the Crisis Group.
“It is important to note that the US and Europe often differ in the General Assembly and Security Council on issues like Gaza,” he stated, “but this conflict over Ukraine is of significant diplomatic importance given the direct interests of the Europeans in the war,” he further noted.
The recent days of negotiations between Euro-American diplomats regarding the draft texts stand in sharp contrast to the high level of cooperation between the US and European nations concerning Ukraine during the Biden administration, he remarked.
European and Ukrainian diplomats are hopeful for a strong display of support in the General Assembly today.
The UN General Assembly, comprising 193 member states, previously voted overwhelmingly to condemn Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and demanded the withdrawal of Russian forces.
Unlike the 15-member Security Council, the votes in the General Assembly are not legally binding; however, they serve as a reflection of global sentiment.
This sentiment will be gauged through votes as the two competing texts are presented this morning.
Additionally, the United States has indicated its intention to submit its resolution in the Security Council, where a meeting regarding Ukraine has been scheduled for this afternoon.
Russia possesses veto power in the Security Council and has previously obstructed action regarding Ukraine.
However, for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago today, the US-drafted resolution could align Russia and the United States on the same side.
European nations are optimistic that other members of the council, which includes five permanent members and ten alternating elected members, can be convinced to vote against or abstain.
France and the UK are likely to be very hesitant to exercise their veto powers, which haven’t been used since 1989—especially this week when UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington.
“We might face an awkward situation where China and Russia vote alongside the US while the Europeans watch,” Mr. Gowan remarked.
