The United States introduced a new United Nations resolution regarding the Ukraine war on Friday, omitting any reference to Russian-occupied territories in Kyiv, according to diplomatic sources.
US Approach Sparks Debate
Meanwhile, Washington’s proposal comes as tensions escalate between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump recently stated that Zelenskyy’s participation in peace talks was “not important.”
At the same time, the US resolution competes with a separate draft backed by Ukraine and its European allies. These nations, which Trump has sought to sideline from discussions on the war’s future, have put forward a more direct stance against Russia.
Ukrainian-European Draft Calls for Stronger Diplomatic Efforts
In contrast, the draft proposed by Kyiv and European nations emphasizes the need for intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the war within the year. It highlights various initiatives while holding Russia accountable for the invasion and reaffirming Ukraine’s “territorial integrity.”
Furthermore, it echoes previous UN General Assembly resolutions that called for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. These resolutions have historically received strong support, with about 140 out of 193 member states voting in favor.
US Resolution Avoids Criticism of Moscow
Unlike previous resolutions backed by Washington, the latest US draft does not explicitly condemn Russia. Instead, it calls for a “swift end to the conflict” without mentioning Ukraine’s sovereignty. As a result, Moscow’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, welcomed the move, describing it as “a good step” but noted that it failed to address the “roots” of the conflict.
Notably, the 65-word document, seen by AFP, takes a neutral stance, beginning with a statement “mourning the tragic loss of life throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict.” It then reiterates the UN’s mission to uphold “international peace and security” without directly attributing blame to Russia.
Mixed Reactions from Diplomats
Meanwhile, France’s UN ambassador, Nicolas De Riviere, representing the EU’s only permanent seat on the Security Council, declined to comment.
However, Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group criticized the resolution, saying, “A stripped-down text of this type that does not condemn Russian aggression or explicitly reference Ukraine’s territorial integrity looks like a betrayal of Kyiv and a jab at the EU, but also a show of disdain for core principles of international law.”
He added that even countries eager for an early end to the war might be concerned that the US is disregarding key elements of the UN Charter.
