US submits its own UN resolution on Russia-Ukraine war

The United States has introduced its own draft resolution at the United Nations to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, presenting a significantly different stance from the version backed by Europe.

According to Reuters and AP, the US draft is brief, consisting of just three paragraphs. It:

• Mourns the loss of life during the "Russia-Ukraine conflict",
• Implores a swift end to the conflict,
• Urges a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.

Russia has proposed an amendment seeking to add the phrase "including by addressing its root causes" to the call for an early end to the conflict. Russia's UN representative, Vasily Nebenzia, described the US draft as "a good move." A Russian diplomat told Reuters that if the amendment is accepted, Moscow will support the resolution.

In contrast, the EU- and Ukraine-backed resolution explicitly refers to Russia's "full-scale invasion of Ukraine" and "reiterates the urgent need to end the war this year, and to redouble diplomatic efforts to reduce the risks of further escalation and achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine."

While the UN General Assembly cannot veto resolutions, its decisions—though non-binding—carry political weight, reflecting global sentiment on the war.

Notably, in December, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution titled "The situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine," supported by 81 countries. It was the first to officially label Russia's actions as a "war of aggression against Ukraine." The resolution reaffirmed Ukraine's territorial integrity and called on Russia to end its aggression and withdraw its troops.