UN Security Council Adopts US-Drafted Resolution on Ukraine War Amid Trump’s Peace Efforts
UNITED NATIONS: On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations Security Council approved a US-led resolution on Monday, maintaining a neutral stance on the conflict as US President Donald Trump pushes for peace negotiations.
This brief resolution signifies a shift in US policy under Trump, who has taken a more diplomatic approach toward Russia, contrasting with former President Joe Biden’s firm backing of Ukraine at the UN throughout the war.
Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, acknowledged the “constructive changes” in Washington’s stance, calling the resolution “not ideal,” but a potential foundation for future peace talks.
For much of the conflict, the 15-member Security Council remained divided, unable to act due to Russia’s veto power. However, the broader 193-member General Assembly has consistently supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while advocating for a comprehensive and just peace in accordance with the UN Charter.
Earlier on Monday, the US attempted to push the same three-paragraph resolution through the General Assembly but failed to secure approval.
Key Points of the Resolution
The resolution expresses sorrow over lives lost in the “Russia-Ukraine conflict,” reaffirms the UN’s role in maintaining global peace, calls for the peaceful resolution of disputes, and urges a swift end to hostilities while promoting a lasting peace.
The Security Council passed the resolution with 10 votes in favor, while France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia abstained. Russia supported the measure after its attempt to amend the text failed, as did European efforts to introduce language explicitly backing Ukraine.
“This resolution marks the beginning of the road to peace. It is a crucial first step, and we should all take pride in it,” said Acting US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea. “Now, we must build on it to create a peaceful future for Ukraine, Russia, and the broader international community.”
Concerns Over Trump’s Approach
Despite this diplomatic move, Trump’s peace strategy has raised concerns among Ukraine and its European allies, who fear that prioritizing negotiations with Russia could sideline them in crucial discussions.
Britain’s UN Ambassador, Barbara Woodward, emphasized that any peace agreement must uphold key principles.
“The terms of peace matter. This council must ensure that aggression does not go unpunished,” she said. “There can be no false equivalence between Russia and Ukraine. A sustainable peace requires clarity on the war’s origins.”
French UN Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière echoed this sentiment, stating, “France is fully committed to peace in Ukraine. However, peace must be comprehensive, just, and lasting—not a forced capitulation of the victim.”
Diplomatic Wins for Ukraine and European Allies
The UN General Assembly also adopted two resolutions on Monday—one drafted by Ukraine and its European partners, and another initially proposed by the US but later amended to include long-standing pro-Ukraine language. These votes marked a diplomatic victory for Kyiv and its European allies over Washington’s more neutral stance.
“This war is not just about Ukraine. It is about the fundamental right of every nation to exist, to determine its own future, and to be free from aggression,” stated Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mariana Betsa, before the vote.
The amended US resolution received 93 votes in favor, with 73 abstentions and eight votes against. Meanwhile, Russia’s attempt to add language referencing the “root causes” of the conflict was rejected.
The Ukraine-European draft also passed, securing 93 votes in favor, with 65 abstentions and 18 votes against.
