The United Nations Security Council adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution on Monday, marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The resolution, which takes a neutral stance on the conflict, comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pursues peace negotiations.
The resolution received 10 votes in favor, while France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia abstained. Russia, a veto power in the council, did not block the measure. Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Dorothy Shea, called the resolution a "first step" towards peace, urging further diplomatic efforts to secure stability for Ukraine, Russia, and the international community.
The resolution expresses sorrow over the loss of life in the "Russia-Ukraine conflict" and reiterates the U.N.’s commitment to maintaining peace and security. However, some European allies, including the UK, have expressed concerns over the neutrality of the resolution. Britain's U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward emphasized that peace terms must not equate Russia and Ukraine, stating that aggression should not be rewarded.
Earlier, the U.N. General Assembly rejected a U.S. attempt to soften the organization's long-standing support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Instead, the assembly passed two resolutions—one drafted by Ukraine and European nations, and another originally drafted by the U.S., which was later amended to include stronger language backing Ukraine.
The amended U.S.-drafted resolution received 93 votes in favor, with 73 abstentions and eight opposing votes. A separate resolution led by Ukraine and European countries also passed with 93 votes in favor, but with 65 abstentions and 18 votes against.
Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that the path to peace in Ukraine would not be easy but should remain a priority.
The diplomatic developments highlight ongoing tensions as world leaders seek a resolution to the conflict, with divisions emerging over the approach to securing a lasting peace.