The U.S. and Ukraine are opposed on rival United Nations resolutions regarding the conflict with Russia. The European-supported Ukrainian resolution calls for an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops, whereas the U.S. is advocating for a more comprehensive appeal for peace without specifically invoking Moscow’s incursion.
Coming U.N. General Assembly Vote
On Monday, February 24, 2025 — the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — the U.N. General Assembly will vote on Ukraine’s draft resolution. The draft, sponsored by the 27 member states of the European Union, demands an immediate and unconditional pullout of Russian forces from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and an immediate end to hostilities.
A second vote is likely on the American-backed resolution, which has a different tone. It recognizes “the tragic loss of life throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict” and urges a “swift conclusion to the conflict” and a “lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine,” but does not mention Russia’s invasion at all.
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Diplomatic Tensions and International Reactions
The rival resolutions come weeks into President Donald Trump’s presidency amid heightened tensions between the U.S., Ukraine, and European allies. The leaders of Europe have been upset by being shut out of advance talks between Russia and the U.S. seeking to bring the war to a close.
The American resolution has received conflicting responses. Russia’s U.N. representative, Vassily Nebenzia, referred to the American suggestion as “a good move,” but the European-sponsored resolution has been termed as a better representation of worldwide protests against the invasion.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified the U.S. stance, saying that “this is the moment to commit to ending the war” and underlining the need for creating momentum for peace. Intense lobbying persists in the background as both camps vie for global support before the vote.
Role of Security Council and What Next
Aside from the General Assembly vote, the U.N. Security Council will also be considering the U.S. resolution. A session is set for Monday afternoon, with a possible vote to follow shortly thereafter, although it could be postponed at Russia’s request.
With the Security Council frequently immobilized by Russia’s veto, the General Assembly has emerged as a key forum for measuring world opinion on the war. Although its resolutions are not binding under international law, they are highly political and represent world consensus.
As the U.N. approaches these pivotal votes, the world will be watching to determine if backing for Ukraine’s demand for a clear-cut end to Russian aggression holds firm or moves toward the U.S.’s more general, more diplomatic strategy.
