Photo: EPA/UPG
The United States has prepared an alternative draft resolution for the UN General Assembly to end the war in Ukraine. According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on social media platform X on Saturday, 22 February, the vote on the document is scheduled for Monday, exactly three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
“A landmark resolution” – Rubio
“The President of the United States is committed to ending the Russia-Ukraine war. On Monday, three years after the conflict began, the U.S. will propose a landmark resolution to the UN that every UN member must support to chart a path to peace,” Marco Rubio wrote.
What does the resolution contain?
According to media reports, the draft resolution is somewhat of a compromise and is controversial due to its language:
– The text does not directly mention Russia as an aggressor.
– Even the word “war” is absent, instead the term “Russian-Ukrainian conflict” is used .
– The document focuses on calls for peace andexpresses “regret”for the loss of life as a result of the fighting.
This version has already caused a wave of criticism among a number of countries that insist on a clear definition of Russia as an aggressor.
The US will not co-sponsor the Ukrainian resolution
Another unexpected news was the US decision not to support the draft resolution that Ukraine is preparing for the UN General Assembly on the anniversary of the invasion. This is the first time since the beginning of the war that Washington has not co-sponsored such a document in support of Kyiv.
What does this mean?
Analysts believe that this US strategy may be an attempt to attract countries that have so far taken a neutral position, such as China, India and the Global South, to support the resolution. However, such a position may reduce the clarity of the signal of condemnation of Russian aggression.
Reaction of Ukraine and the international community
Ukraine’s official position on the US project has not yet been announced. However, diplomats on the sidelines of the UN say that Kyiv is counting on more decisive support from its Western allies.
EU countries are also closely monitoring the situation. Some of them have expressed dissatisfaction with the “neutral” tone of the document, calling on Washington to toughen its rhetoric against Russia.
What’s next?
The vote on the resolution will take place on Monday. The results may show how much the international community is willing to support a compromise path to peace or whether it demands a clearer condemnation of Russia’s actions.
It remains to be seen whether this resolution will bring the path to peace closer or become another formality in the diplomatic battles in the UN arena.
