 "Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa speaks during a United Nations General Assembly meeting on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at UN Headquarters in New York City on February 24, 2025. Image- AFP")
The UN General Assembly on Monday rejected a US resolution that calls for a swift end to the war but omits any mention of Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, while approving a European-backed resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukraine on the third anniversary of the war.
The European-backed resolution, though not legally binding, serves as a global opinion gauge. It was backed by 93 countries, with 18 opposing and 65 abstaining—a lower tally than previous resolutions, where over 140 nations condemned Russia’s actions and urged a reversal of its annexation of four Ukrainian regions.
UN rejects US resolution on Ukraine
The United States failed to get the U.N. General Assembly to approve its resolution seeking to end the war without mentioning Russian aggression.
The US draft resolution was amended by the assembly, adding language making clear that Russia invaded its smaller neighbour in violation of the U.N. Charter.
The vote in the 193-nation world body on the amended U.S. resolution was 93-8 with 73 abstentions, with Ukraine voting “yes,” the U.S. abstaining and Russia voting “no.”
Ukraine on track to join EU before 2030
Ukraine could join the European Union before 2030 if the country continues its reforms at their current speed and quality, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters in Kyiv on Monday.
“I really appreciate the political will that is there. I would even say Ukraine’s merit-based process, if they continue at that speed and at that quality, perhaps they could be earlier than 2030”, Von der Leyen said.
EU Council President Antonio Costa added that accession to the EU would be the most important security guarantee for the future of Ukraine.
Macron calls Russia is ‘aggressor’
French President Emmanuel Macron insisted Monday that Russia is the “aggressor” against Ukraine – ahead of a meeting with US President Donald Trump, who has suggested that Kyiv started the conflict.
“For three years, Ukraine has fought with courage that commands respect against an aggressor, Russia,” Macron said on X. “Our support for Ukraine will remain unwavering. I am in Washington to reiterate this and move forward with President Trump and our allies.”
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More ShortsWith inputs from agencies