UNITED NATIONS — The United States has exerted pressure on Ukraine to withdraw its European-supported U.N. resolution, which calls for the immediate exit of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory. Instead, the U.S. has suggested a different proposal that notably does not reference Russia’s invasion. This information comes from a U.S. official along with a European diplomat, who both spoke on the condition of anonymity as discussions are still underway.
Despite the U.S. request, Ukraine has remained firm on retaining its draft resolution. The U.N. General Assembly is set to hold a vote on this resolution on Monday, which coincides with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Additional information from two European diplomats indicated that the General Assembly is also likely to evaluate the U.S.-backed draft resolution.
The administration is also pursuing a vote on its proposal within the more influential U.N. Security Council. This 15-member council is scheduled to convene on Monday afternoon to discuss the Ukrainian situation, with plans to hold an immediate vote afterward. However, European diplomats noted that this vote might be postponed until Tuesday at Russia’s request.
These competing resolutions mark the first instance of such divergence since the start of the invasion. They reflect growing tensions among the U.S., Ukraine, and European nations in light of President Trump’s recent engagement with Russia after a prolonged period of isolating dialogue. Many European leaders were disheartened after Ukraine and themselves were sidelined during initial negotiations between the U.S. and Russia last week.
As the Security Council grapples with paralyzing veto power from Russia, the General Assembly has emerged as the key U.N. body addressing the situation in Ukraine. Unlike the Security Council, the General Assembly operates without vetoes, making its votes a significant indicator of international opinion. However, the resolutions passed by the General Assembly carry no legal weight compared to those adopted by the Security Council.
Since the incursion of Russian troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the General Assembly has passed multiple resolutions denouncing the war and demanding that Russian forces withdraw immediately. The votes in the assembly have consistently revealed global opposition to Russia’s actions, and the upcoming votes on the competing resolutions will be closely monitored to gauge whether this support has diminished and to evaluate backing for Trump’s aspirations of a swift ending to the conflict.
A European diplomat mentioned that significant lobbying efforts are currently taking place regarding these conflicting resolutions. The U.S. official commented that America is working to persuade both Ukraine and European nations to reconsider their stance on the proposed draft. This development aligns with Trump’s plans to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron in Washington on Monday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that this moment presents a unique opportunity to make meaningful progress towards peace. In a recent statement, he acknowledged the substantial risks involved but reaffirmed that the objective of sustaining lasting peace is within reach. He indicated that the proposed resolution would recognize the grievous nature of the conflict, stress the role of the U.N. in its resolution, and suggest that peace is attainable.
The Ukrainian resolution, which is co-sponsored by the 27-member European Union, explicitly references the “full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation.” It underscores the importance of adhering to prior assembly resolutions relating to the aggression against Ukraine. The draft resolution demands that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders” while also calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a peaceful conversation regarding the war.
Conversely, the U.S. draft resolution offers a much more abbreviated acknowledgment of the devastating loss of life resulting from the conflict, advocating for a speedy end to the hostilities and a durable peace between Ukraine and Russia, while purposefully omitting mention of the invasion.
Russian U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, recently labeled the U.S. proposal as a “good move.” Russia has also proposed an amendment to append the phrase, “including by addressing its root causes,” leading to a final line that ultimately states the U.S. resolution “implores a swift end to the conflict, including by addressing its root causes, and further urges a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.”
