 "The United Nations headquarters building is pictured with a UN logo in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, US, March 1, 2022. File image/ Reuters")
On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations General Assembly is set to vote Monday (February 24) on two competing resolutions– both for Russia-Ukraine war.
One resolution, from Ukraine, is backed by European nations. It is demanding Russia’s immediate withdrawal. the second resolution is from the United States that calls for a swift end to the war but avoids naming Moscow as the aggressor.
The duelling proposals bring to the fore the rising tensions between the US and Ukraine, as well as strains within the transatlantic alliance.
According to US officials and European diplomats cited by AP, the Trump administration had pressured Ukraine to withdraw its resolution in favour of the American version. However, Ukraine refused, and its measure will proceed to a vote in the 193-member assembly.
Tensions rise after US’ surprise talks with Russia
This friction between traditional allies has ensued after US President Donald Trump unexpectedly opened negotiations with Russia, seeking a rapid resolution to the conflict. The move stunned European leaders (who were not included in last week’s preliminary talks) and frustrated Kyiv.
In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, Trump described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator,” accused Ukraine of starting the war, and warned that Zelenskyy “better move fast” to secure peace or risk losing his country. Zelenskyy hit back, accusing Trump of living in a “disinformation space” created by Russia.
Following the fallout, the Trump administration not only declined to back Ukraine’s resolution but also introduced its own at the last minute. The US has been lobbying allies to support its version, which it also wants put to a vote in the UN Security Council.
China, which holds the council’s rotating presidency this month, has scheduled that vote for Monday afternoon.
Two proposals, divergent messages
The Ukrainian resolution, co-sponsored by all 27 European Union members, is expected to pass in the General Assembly, where no nation holds veto power.
Since the war began on February 24, 2022, the assembly has adopted multiple resolutions condemning Moscow’s actions and demanding a complete withdrawal of its forces.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsUkraine’s latest proposal also calls for Russia’s “immediate, complete and unconditional” withdrawal, and stresses that any territorial acquisitions by force will not be recognised. It also raises alarms over reports of North Korean troops potentially fighting alongside Russian forces, warning of further escalation.
The US draft resolution, however, is notably softer in tone. In a brief text, it acknowledges “the tragic loss of life throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict” and urges “a swift end to the conflict” and a “lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.” The resolution does not mention Russia’s invasion, a point that has drawn sharp criticism from European diplomats.
Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, described the US draft as “a good move” when speaking to reporters last week.
With inputs from agencies