UNITED NATIONS — As the world marks the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.N. General Assembly is set to vote on two opposing resolutions. One, backed by Europe, calls for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces, while the other, proposed by the U.S., advocates for an expedited end to the conflict without directly addressing Russia’s aggression.
Diplomatic sources indicate that the U.S. pressured Ukraine to withdraw its resolution in favor of its own, but Ukraine opted to maintain its stance, leading to a vote in the assembly. This reflects the rising tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, particularly following recent negotiations initiated by former President Trump to resolve the conflict.
Trump has intensified his rhetoric against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, labeling him as a “dictator” and claiming that Kyiv instigated the war. In response, Zelenskyy accused Trump of being influenced by Russian disinformation.
The U.S. not only chose to disregard Ukraine’s U.N. resolution but also proposed its own alternative at the last moment, garnering international support. This decision coincides with Trump hosting French President Emmanuel Macron in Washington.
Additionally, the U.S. has requested that its proposal be voted on in the more influential U.N. Security Council, which has been scheduled by China for Monday afternoon.
The U.N. General Assembly has emerged as the primary entity addressing the Ukraine crisis, especially since the Security Council is hampered by Russia’s veto authority. With no vetoes in the Assembly, Ukraine’s resolution, co-sponsored by all EU member states, is anticipated to pass. While resolutions in the Assembly are not legally binding, they serve as a crucial indicator of global sentiment.
Since the onset of the invasion on February 24, 2022, the General Assembly has adopted several resolutions condemning Russian actions and demanding troop withdrawal.
The upcoming votes on these competing resolutions have prompted significant lobbying efforts, reflecting the ongoing debate over global support for Ukraine versus the call for a negotiated settlement to the conflict.
The U.S. draft resolution highlights the toll of the conflict, urging a swift conclusion and lasting peace, but notably omits mention of Russia’s initial invasion. Russian representatives have described the U.S. initiative as a positive development.
In contrast, Ukraine’s resolution explicitly cites Russia’s invasion and emphasizes adherence to prior assembly resolutions addressing the situation. It demands the unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops and raises alarms over the possible involvement of North Korean forces alongside Russia.
Furthermore, it reaffirms the assembly’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, declaring any territorial gains made through force illegitimate. The resolution calls for de-escalation and a peaceful end to hostilities, highlighting the urgency of terminating the war this year.
