In a win for Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, the United States on Monday failed to get the UN General Assembly to approve its resolution urging an end to the war without mentioning Moscow’s aggression. And the assembly approved a duelling European-backed Ukrainian resolution demanding Russia immediately withdraw from Ukraine.
Advertisement
It marks a setback for the Trump administration in the 193-member world body, whose resolutions are not legally binding but are seen as a barometer of world opinion. But it also shows some diminished support for Ukraine, whose resolution passed 93-18, with 65 abstentions. That is lower than previous votes, which saw over 140 nations condemn Russia’s aggression.
The United States had tried to pressure the Ukrainians to withdraw their resolution in favour of its proposal, according to a US official and a European diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were private. They refused, and then the assembly added language to the US proposal making clear that Russia invaded its smaller neighbour in violation of the UN Charter.
The vote on the amended US resolution was 93-8 with 73 abstentions, with Ukraine voting “yes”, the US abstaining and Russia voting “no”.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa said her country is exercising its “inherent right to self-defence” following Russia’s invasion, which violates the UN Charter’s requirement that countries respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations.
Advertisement
“As we mark three years of this devastation – Russia’s full invasion against Ukraine – we call on all nations to stand firm and to take … the side of the Charter, the side of humanity and the side of just and lasting peace, peace through strength,” she said.