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The United States is trying to block a Ukrainian resolution at the UN condemning Russia for its aggressive war against Ukraine, amid the third anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion. This was reported by Bloomberg and The Washington Post on 22 February, citing diplomatic sources.
The US is pushing its own “neutral” resolution
The administration of US President Donald Trump presented an alternative draft resolution, calling on all UN member states to support the US version.
“The United States has proposed a simple, historic resolution to the UN that we urge all member states to support to chart a path to peace,” the US State Departmentsaid on 21February.
The US version of the document calls for a “swift end to the conflict”, but does not mention Ukraine’s sovereignty or territorial integrity. It also does not directly accuse Russia of aggression.
Disagreements between Kyiv and Washington
According to The Washington Post, the Ukrainian side was informed of the American draft on 21 February. Washington first tried to amend the Ukrainian draft by weakening the wording, and then urged Kyiv to withdraw its document in favour of a new version from the United States.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused to withdraw the Ukrainian resolution, which clearly condemns Russia’s aggression. He instructed Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry to keep its own draft, which is scheduled to be presented to the UN on 24 February, the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Bloomberg ‘s sources said that Ukrainian diplomats were “shocked” by Washington’s stance and disappointed by the lack of support from their main ally.
Is the US project a compromise for Russia?
The US draft resolution avoids criticism of Russia, which has caused outrage among some UN members. AFP sources said that the document does not contain any mention of the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.
Moreover, Russia has declared its readiness to support the US resolution, provided that the phrase “addressing the root causes of the conflict” is included in the text. Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, called the US draft a “good step”.
According to Reuters, if this amendment is adopted, Moscow may vote in favour of the US resolution, which has not happened before in the context of similar documents on Ukraine.
Ukraine’s position and international reaction
Kyiv strongly opposes the US compromise approach. Ukrainian diplomats stress that the adoption of a resolution without mentioning Russia’s aggression could set a dangerous precedent and undermine international support for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s European partners also expressed concern about the “neutral” nature of the US project and called on the US to return to clearer rhetoric condemning the Kremlin’s actions.
What’s next?
Both draft resolutions – the Ukrainian and American ones – are expected to be submitted to the UN General Assembly in the coming days. The vote on the resolution is scheduled for 24 February, the anniversary of the start of Russian aggression.
Diplomats stress that the results of the vote could have a significant impact on further international support for Ukraine in the face of the ongoing conflict.
