The United Nations has rejected a US resolution aimed at changing its position on Russia’s war in Ukraine. This comes as Donald Trump steps up efforts to end the war with Russian forces after three long years of fighting.
On Monday, 193 UN member states voted on two rival resolutions—one from the US and another from Ukraine and European countries. This vote marks the third year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The US had to step back after European countries changed its proposal. They reworded it to show the UN’s support for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Betsa Mariana, said: “This war is not only Ukraine’s problem. It is about every country’s right to exist, choose its future, and live free from aggression.”
Trump’s peace talks have caused tension with President Zelensky. Some European allies are worried that they could be left out of talks. Last week, US and Russian officials met.
The US resolution got 93 votes in favor, 73 countries abstained, and 8 voted against. The Assembly passed the Ukraine-EU resolution with 93 votes for, 65 abstentions, and 18 votes against, including Russia, North Korea, and Israel.
Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said peace won’t come easily. He warned that many people will try to delay the war’s end. But he added: “We must not give up.”
The US resolution called for an end to the fighting and backed the UN’s peacekeeping role. The European amendments criticized Russia’s aggression and asked for a fair, lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.
Canadian Ambassador Bob Rae said: “The world wants peace. Ukraine wants peace. The question is: what kind of peace will it be?”
The UN Security Council will soon vote on the US resolution. For it to pass, the resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the US, Russia, China, the UK, or France. The US is ready to veto any changes.
