U.S. Offers Softer U.N. Resolution on Ukraine War, Splitting from Europe/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The U.S. proposed a U.N. resolution urging peace in Ukraine but avoiding calls for Russia’s withdrawal, diverging from a stronger European-backed statement. The resolutions, marking three years since Russia’s invasion, reveal tensions in the transatlantic alliance amid Trump’s softer approach to Moscow. Both votes are set for Monday at the U.N. General Assembly.
Ukraine War U.N. Resolutions Quick Looks:
- U.S. Proposal: Urges “swift end to the conflict” but avoids condemning Russia directly.
- Europe’s Draft: Demands full Russian withdrawal and halting of hostilities.
- Vote Date: U.N. General Assembly to vote Monday on both nonbinding resolutions.
- Diplomatic Rift: U.S. shift on Russia dismays European allies and Ukraine.
- Russia’s Reaction: Moscow calls U.S. resolution “a good move”; seeks to add “root causes.”
- General Assembly’s Role: Key platform since Russia’s veto blocks Security Council action.
- Trump’s Stance: Focuses on quick peace deal, critics say it legitimizes Russian aggression.
- Ukraine’s Response: Zelenskyy slams Trump’s comments, calling them Russian disinformation.
- Binding Power: Assembly resolutions carry political weight but aren’t legally binding.
- Global Implications: Outcome could reshape Ukraine peace talks and alliance dynamics.
U.S. Offers Softer U.N. Resolution on Ukraine War, Splitting from Europe
Deep Look:
U.S. Takes Softer Stance at U.N., Splitting with Europe Over Ukraine War Resolution
As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, diplomatic tensions erupted at the United Nations with competing resolutions from the U.S. and European Union.
While the European-backed draft demands Russia’s “immediate and unconditional” withdrawal, the U.S. proposal takes a gentler tone, focusing on urging peace without blaming Moscow.
“It’s a good move,” Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said, praising the U.S. draft.
What’s in the Resolutions?
- U.S. Draft:
- Mourns lives lost in the Russia-Ukraine conflict
- “Implores a swift end to the conflict” and urges a “lasting peace”
- Russia seeks to add “addressing root causes” — potentially justifying its invasion
- European Draft (with Ukraine):
- Labels Russia’s actions as a “full-scale invasion”
- Demands immediate Russian withdrawal from Ukraine’s borders
- Reaffirms previous U.N. resolutions against Russian aggression
Why the Split?
President Donald Trump’s administration is pushing to end the war quickly through negotiations, sidestepping Ukraine and European allies in early talks with Russia.
European leaders were “dismayed” by their exclusion from preliminary discussions in Saudi Arabia.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the softer language, saying it’s meant to “keep diplomatic channels open.”
Ukraine’s Strong Rejection
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blasted Trump’s remarks accusing him of prolonging the war:
“Trump is living in a Russian-made disinformation space,” Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that Ukraine will not recognize any peace deal made without its participation.
Why This Matters:
- Political Signal: While nonbinding, the U.N. vote reflects global sentiment toward the conflict.
- Alliance Strain: The transatlantic divide could weaken Ukraine’s negotiating position.
- Peace vs. Accountability: U.S. seeks pragmatic peace, Europe insists on Russian accountability.
- Russia’s Advantage: A softer U.S. stance could embolden Moscow diplomatically.
What’s Next?
- Monday: U.N. General Assembly votes on both resolutions.
- Russia Pushes Amendment: Seeks to shift blame to “root causes” rhetoric.
- Europe and Ukraine: Intensifying diplomatic efforts to rally support against the U.S. draft.
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