U.S. urges withdrawal of UN resolution on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, proposes its own alternative

This information comes from the Financial Times, citing sources, and Suspilne, referencing the letter’s text.

In anticipation of the third anniversary of the full-scale war, over 50 countries, including Ukraine and EU member states, collaboratively developed a draft UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion. The vote is scheduled for today.

However, according to two FT interlocutors, the U.S. has called for the rejection of this resolution, proposing its own text. The American document equates Ukraine’s actions to those of Russia and mourns the “tragic loss of life in the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.” An official added, “This (American) wording is obviously unacceptable to us.”

Suspilne reports that the American version of the resolution is titled “Path to Peace.” In it, the U.S. does not label Russia as the aggressor and calls for an “immediate cessation of the conflict.” Meanwhile, the Kremlin has proposed an amendment to the clause, stating: “Calls for an immediate cessation of the conflict, including by addressing its root causes.”

Subsequently, the co-authors of the collective resolution suggested amendments to the U.S. text—to replace the word “conflict” with “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine” and to reaffirm the recognition of Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.

“If this amendment is not accepted, most European countries will not vote for the (U.S. version of the) resolution,” officials warned, acknowledging that some countries might break away from the EU’s position and support the U.S.

• On February 20, the Financial Times reported that the U.S. opposed mentioning Russia as the aggressor in the G7 statement marking the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.