Egypt Daily News – The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution proposed by Washington, taking a “neutral” stance on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict on the third anniversary of the invasion. Ten members voted in favor, while five countries, including France and the United Kingdom, abstained.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is attempting to mediate a peace deal to end the conflict, but these efforts have raised concerns among Europeans and Ukraine. Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly rejected any attempt to alter its stance in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
On Monday, the Security Council approved the U.S.-drafted resolution, which maintained a neutral position on the conflict, coinciding with Trump’s efforts to broker peace. The 15-member council had previously been unable to act due to Russia’s veto power. The U.S. resolution received ten votes in favor, while France, the UK, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia abstained.
Dorothy Shea, the acting U.S. representative to the UN, stated, “This resolution paves the way for peace. It is a first and important step that we must build upon to ensure a peaceful future for Ukraine, Russia, and the international community.”
The brief resolution acknowledged the lives lost in the “Russian-Ukrainian conflict” and reaffirmed the UN’s primary mission of maintaining international peace and security, urging both parties to end the war swiftly and permanently.
European Division and Warnings Against “Equalizing Both Sides”
Despite ten countries voting in favor, France and the UK expressed reservations. British Ambassador Barbara Woodward emphasized the “importance of peace conditions,” warning that the resolution should not “equate” Russia and Ukraine in terms of responsibility for the war, stressing that “aggression must not be rewarded.”
Trump’s focus on Russia and his offer to mediate with Moscow has raised concerns among European nations about the potential marginalization of the EU and Ukraine in future peace talks. Defending Ukraine, Woodward insisted that the council “must clarify the reasons behind the war” to ensure lasting peace.
General Assembly Rejects U.S. Attempt to Modify Stance
Before the Security Council’s move, the UN General Assembly rejected a U.S. attempt to soften the organization’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Assembly passed two resolutions: one drafted by Kyiv and European nations, and another U.S.-modified version with pro-Ukraine language, marking a diplomatic victory for Kyiv and its European allies.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Maryana Betsa asserted, “This war is not just about Ukraine; it is a struggle for every nation’s right to determine its future without aggression.”
The modified U.S. resolution received 93 votes in favor, while 73 countries abstained, and eight voted against it. Meanwhile, 93 countries supported a separate Ukraine-backed resolution, with 18 opposing and 65 abstaining.
Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya maintained that any peace efforts would face “many attempts to prolong the war as much as possible,” stressing the need for a negotiated settlement.
This comes as Ukraine continues to experience conflict since February 2022, with the ongoing war remaining one of the most significant global tensions monitored by the UN. Meanwhile, the U.S. has vowed to continue pressuring for de-escalation that ensures Kyiv’s security and prevents further prolongation of the war.
