U.N. Security Council adopts neutral U.S. stance on Ukraine war without mentioning Russian aggression
The Hindu
The United Nations Security Council on February 24, 2025, adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that takes a neutral position on the conflict as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to broker peace.
The United Nations Security Council on Monday (February 24, 2025) adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine that takes a neutral position on the conflict as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to broker peace.
The short resolution reflects President Trump's upending of U.S. policy on Ukraine after taking office last month and his more conciliatory stance towards Russia. In contrast, former president Joe Biden's administration led efforts at the United Nations to support Ukraine throughout the war.
Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia acknowledged "constructive changes" in the U.S. position on the conflict. He told the council the resolution was "not an ideal one," but "a starting point for future efforts towards peaceful settlement."
The 15-member U.N. Security Council had been deadlocked throughout the war and unable to take any action because Russia holds a veto.
But the 193-member General Assembly has repeatedly supported Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in line with the U.N. Charter.
The U.S. failed earlier on Monday to convince the General Assembly to pass the same three-paragraph resolution adopted by the Security Council.
Also read | Russia says Ukraine war will only halt with deal that ‘suits’ Moscow