UN Rejects US Resolution on Ukraine War, Backs Kyiv’s Call for Russian Withdrawal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The UN General Assembly rejected a US-backed resolution urging an end to the Ukraine war without mentioning Russia’s aggression, marking a setback for the Trump administration. Instead, it approved a European-supported Ukrainian resolution demanding Russia’s immediate troop withdrawal. The vote revealed waning support for Ukraine, with fewer countries backing the measure compared to previous resolutions.
UN Vote on Ukraine War: Quick Looks
- Ukraine-backed resolution passed: 93-18 with 65 abstentions, fewer than past votes
- US resolution rejected: Criticized for omitting mention of Russia’s invasion
- Tensions rise: Trump administration’s Russia diplomacy frustrates European allies
- Ukraine’s demand: Calls for Russia’s “immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal”
- US proposal: Focused on peace without naming Moscow as aggressor
- Diplomatic split: Europe backs Ukraine; US pushes for quick peace deal with Russia
- China’s role: Scheduled a UN Security Council vote later Monday
- Ukraine defiant: Deputy Foreign Minister Betsa calls for peace “through strength”
UN Rejects US Resolution on Ukraine War, Backs Kyiv’s Call for Russian Withdrawal
Deep Look
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UN General Assembly on Monday delivered a diplomatic victory for Kyiv and a setback for the Trump administration.
In a closely watched vote, the assembly rejected a US resolution urging an end to the war without mentioning Russia’s aggression, while passing a European-backed Ukrainian proposal that demands Moscow’s immediate troop withdrawal.
“We call on all nations to stand firm, take the side of humanity, and fight for lasting peace,” said Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa.
A Divided Global Response
- Ukraine’s resolution: Approved 93-18 with 65 abstentions—a significant drop from earlier resolutions that saw over 140 nations condemn Russia.
- US resolution: Despite amendments acknowledging Russia’s invasion, it was rejected with a 93-8 vote and 73 abstentions. The US abstained, while Russia voted “no.”
Diplomats cited intense lobbying as the US pressured Ukraine to withdraw its resolution in favor of Washington’s proposal. Ukraine refused, leading to last-minute language changes to the US draft.
Trump’s Controversial Diplomacy
President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a swift peace deal with Russia have rattled European allies and strained transatlantic ties. His decision to:
- Open direct talks with Russia without Ukraine’s involvement
- Label Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator”
- Blame Kyiv for the war’s outbreak
has fueled outrage in Kyiv and across Europe.
“President Trump is living in a Russian-made disinformation space,” Zelenskyy shot back.
European leaders were blindsided by US-Russia preliminary talks and worry Washington’s approach could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Global Stakes and Security Council Dynamics
The UN Security Council remains paralyzed due to Russia’s veto power. Still, China, holding the council presidency this month, has scheduled a Monday afternoon vote on the competing US resolution.
“We are living a defining moment for European security,” said EU Council President Antonio Costa, announcing an emergency summit on March 6.
What the Resolutions Said
Ukraine’s Resolution:
- Demands Russia’s “immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal”
- Reaffirms Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
- Rejects territorial acquisitions by force
- Raises concerns over North Korean troop involvement
- Calls for peace, emphasizing a “just and lasting solution”
US Resolution (Rejected):
- Urged a swift end to the conflict
- Avoided directly mentioning Russia’s invasion (until amendments)
- Focused on the “tragic loss of life” but was criticized for its neutrality
Russia’s ambassador Vassily Nebenzia praised the original US draft as “a good move.”
Europe Stands Firm, US Faces Isolation
European leaders have united behind Ukraine, with French President Emmanuel Macron visiting Washington to voice Europe’s stance directly to Trump. Meanwhile, Trump maintains that:
- Ukraine must negotiate fast or “risk losing everything.”
- US support is conditional on Ukraine’s willingness to compromise.
Why This Vote Matters
- Signals waning global support for Ukraine compared to previous resolutions
- Highlights a fractured international community amid competing US-Europe approaches
- Raises questions about future military aid and diplomatic strategies
“No lasting peace can be achieved by ignoring the aggressor’s actions,” Betsa asserted.
