A large gathering of nations reaffirmed their support for Ukraine at a United Nations event in Geneva on Tuesday, a day after the UN Security Council adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution taking a neutral stance on the ongoing conflict.
The event, organized by Ukraine and Liechtenstein on the sidelines of the UN Human Rights Council, was held to commemorate Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression. Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik assured Ukraine of continued international backing, stating, "You are not alone... We will continue to support you as you fight for your territorial integrity, your sovereignty, and your human dignity."
The meeting took place following the UN Security Council’s adoption of a resolution marking the third anniversary of the war. However, the resolution, which reflects a shift in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump, did not include specific language affirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity. This omission raised concerns among some European representatives. Estonia’s Undersecretary for Global Affairs, Minna-Liina Lind, expressed her worries but highlighted Europe's determination to stand firm in support of Ukraine.
Despite Washington’s efforts, the UN General Assembly declined to pass the same resolution, instead adopting motions seen as more favorable to Ukraine. This diplomatic outcome was viewed as a victory for Kyiv over the United States.
Most nations attending the Geneva event were European, including France and Germany, but support also came from Turkey, South Korea, Australia, and Japan. The United States was represented by a delegate who did not speak during the meeting.
Ukraine’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Yevheniia Filipenko, became emotional during her address, urging nations to continue their assistance in rebuilding Ukraine and ensuring accountability for crimes committed since Russia’s invasion. "The road ahead is very challenging, but when we are united, we can prevail," she said.
Since the start of the conflict in 2022, thousands of Ukrainian citizens have lost their lives, and more than six million have become refugees. While Russia maintains that its military actions were necessary due to NATO’s expansion, Ukraine and its allies continue to push for international support in their struggle for sovereignty and justice.